Shobha Gurtu Biography 
Shobha Gurtu was a popular Indian classical vocalist. Both her classical songs as well as her light music ones were immensely popular and she was named as ‘Thumri Queen’ by her fans! It was for her thumris (light music) that her fame reached worldwide. She was also known for the ‘Abhinaya’ ang in her full-throated voice. Shobha Gurtu was specialized in semi classical forms as thumri, dadra, Kajri and Hori and she used to experiment them by mixing with pure classical tunes. That’s the reason why her Tumris are so special. She was influenced by great singers, Begum Akhtar and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. She has sung a few Bollywood songs also, of which "Sayyan Rooth Gaye" from Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki of 1979 won her a Filmfare nomination for best female playback singer. She has also sung for Pakeezah and Phagun (Bedardi ban gaye koi jaao manaao).
Bhanumati Shirodkar was born in Belgaum, (present Karnataka) in 1925. She got primary learning from her mother, Menekabai Shirodkar, a professional dancer. She got her formal training from Ustad Bhurji Khan, who happened to be the guru of her mother as well. It was from Ustad Ghamman Khan that she learnt thumri-dadra and other semi-classical forms. He used to come and stay at their home to teach her mother.
She became popular in Thumri and used to perform live in many concerts. Very soon she attained the name, ‘Thumri queen’. In 1979 The Gramophone Company of India (EMI) released her first album ‘At Her Best… Shobha Gurtu’. This album is always regarded as a high ranking classic recording displaying her dazzling vocal work deeply rooted in musical tradition of UP during 19th century. She has released a ghazal album along with ghazal king, Mehdi Hassan – titled Tarz. Shobha’s son Trilok Gurtu is an Indian percussionist and composer, famous for jazz music and fusion compositions.
In 2001, she was also featured in the list of singers who sang, ‘Jana gana mana’ marking 50th year of the Indian Republic. She has received many awards including Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan, Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar, Shahu Maharaj Puraskar and the Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar.
Published: N/A
Updated: September 16, 2013
