Renowned Hindustani vocalist Pandit Prabhakar Karekar passed away after a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement. Karekar breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park area on Wednesday. He was 80.
Born in 1944, Karekar hailed from a Daivadnya family when Goa was still under Portuguese rule. His exceptional vocal abilities can be attributed to his teachers Pandit Suresh Haldankar, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, and C. R. Vyas, who took young Karekar under their wings to mentor him in the Hindustani classical tradition.
Trained under eminent professionals, Karekar himself became a teacher of the musical art form. He is the founder and chairman of the Swarprabha Trust, established to hone young musicians. Karekar's contribution to music became international when he collaborated with Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Ornette Coleman.
Known best for his renditions like Bolava Vithal Pahava Vithal and Vakratund Mahakay, he was a highly respected performer. He also earned recognition as a graded artist with broadcasting channels like All India Radio and Doordarshan.
His other well known compositions include Mayajaval Naase Ya Naame, Kshan Ek Mana, Aselshwaranchachi Jo, Vighnahar Tu Ozaricha, and Siddhi Vinayaka Siddheshwari.
In 2014, Karekar won the Tansen Samman, an award bestowed upon the best musician/vocalist at the annual musical event Tansen Samaroh in Madhya Pradesh. In 2016, he won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognising excellence in performing arts. In 2021, he was honoured with the Gomant Vibhushan Award, the highest civilian honour given by the Government of Goa, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to music.
Karekar is survived by his three sons.
