Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 2024

Issued for : As part of the centenary celebrations, Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp to honor the ‘Centenary of Tansen Samaroh’. This stamp will symbolize Tansen’s profound contribution to Indian classical music and his lasting impact on the world.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC / Brochure / Cancellation Cachet : Shri Anuj Kumar

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303460

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• In the melodious atmosphere of Gwalior, where classical music weaves its magical influence, the Tansen Samaroh has emerged as one of India’s most revered classical music events. Held annually at the Samadhi of Music Emperor Tansen in Gwalior, this festival marks its 100^th year in 2024, making it perhaps the only classical music festival in India celebrated continuously for a century. Organized by the Madhya Pradesh Government, the festival is a symbol of respect for Tansen, whose legacy is central to Indian classical music.
• Tansen, born in Behat village near Gwalior, revolutionized Indian classical music. His compositions and mastery over ragas earned him the title of Music Emperor at the Mughal court under Emperor Akbar. His legacy, immortalized in the “Veer Bhanuday Kavya,” is encapsulated in the lines: “There has been no musician like Tansen, nor will there be one in the future.” His influence still resonates in the music of today, inspiring generations of musicians.
• The Tansen Music Festival is not merely a celebration of Tansen’s music but serves as a grand confluence of classical music, drawing thousands of music lovers. The Tansen Music Festival’s roots trace back to Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia, who initiated the Urs Tansen to honor Tansen’s legacy. This festival, celebrated by both Hindu and Muslim communities, reflects the spirit of unity, Tansen’s music embodied. From its inception, it has been a symbol of harmony through music, lasting three days.
• Gwalior’s music schools have been central to the festival’s success. Raja Mansingh, the ruler of Gwalior, is believed to have established a music school in the Gujari Mahal, where Tansen himself trained. Every year, students perform Dhrupad, Gwalior’s primary music genre, at the festival’s opening, paying homage to Tansen’s musical heritage. Behat: Tansen’s Birthplace.
• Every year, a small tribute is held during the festival, where artists gather to honor Tansen. Additionally, the Tansen Award, presented by the Madhya Pradesh Government’s Department of Culture, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to music. Established in 1980, the award has increased in prestige and is now valued at 5 lakh rupees.
• The centenary celebrations of the Tansen Samaroh in 2024 are designed to reflect the grandeur and cultural richness of the past 100 years.
• Tansen’s influence will be celebrated internationally with cultural events in 20 countries, aiming to introduce his music to global audiences. Behat will also become a Music Pilgrimage destination, with monthly music sessions held to honor Tansen’s birthplace and legacy.
• Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 24, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is delighted to release a commemorative postage stamp on Voice of Indian Music Mukesh. With his emotive voice and unforgettable songs, Mukesh’s contribution to music has left an enduring legacy that inspires generations. This commemoration not only celebrates his remarkable talent but also ensures that his influence on Indian music is remembered and cherished for years to come.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 3000 Paise

Miniature Sheets Printed : 111000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Mukesh Chand Mathur

Born on Jul 22, 1923 at Delhi, British India

Died on Aug 27, 1976 at Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.

About : 

• Mukesh Chand Mathur, revered as one of the most iconic playback singers in the history of Indian cinema, etched a lasting legacy through his mellifluous voice and profound emotional expression. Born on July 22, 1923, in Delhi, Mukesh’s journey from modest beginnings to musical greatness is a tale of talent, perseverance, and enduring impact.
• Mukesh’s early life was marked by humble circumstances, where he initially worked as a peon in the Central Public Works Department. During this time, fate intervened, and the renowned actor Motilal discovered his exceptional vocal ability. Recognizing Mukesh’s potential, Motilal encouraged him to pursue a career in playback singing, thus setting the stage for his remarkable ascent in the world of music.
• Arriving in Bombay (now Mumbai) in the 1940s, Mukesh embarked on his professional singing career, honing his craft with unwavering determination. His debut in playback singing quickly garnered attention, as his voice possessed a unique blend of depth, clarity, and emotive power that resonated deeply with listeners. Collaborations with eminent composers like Naushad, Anil Biswas, and Ghulam Haider further showcased Mukesh’s versatility and ability to interpret diverse musical styles with finesse.
• Mukesh’s breakthrough came with the film “Pehli Nazar” (1945), where his rendition of the song “Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De” captivated audiences and established him as a formidable presence in the realm of Hindi film music. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Mukesh continued to deliver a string of memorable hits, including the hauntingly poignant “Awara Hoon” from the film “Awara” (1951) and the soul-stirring “Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan” from “Mera Naam Joker” (1970), which showcased his ability to convey deep emotions through his singing.
• One of Mukesh’s defining qualities was his ability to evoke a range of emotions—from joy and romance to melancholy and introspection—through his vocal performances. His voice became synonymous with the golden era of Bollywood music, resonating with audiences across India and beyond. Songs like “Mera Joota Hai Japani” from “Shree 420” (1955) and “Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon” from “Kabhi Kabhie” (1976) exemplify his mastery in capturing the essence of each lyric and melody, elevating them to the status of timeless classics.
• Beyond Hindi cinema, Mukesh’s influence extended to regional languages, where he lent his enchanting voice to songs in Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Punjabi, and even Sanskrit. His ability to transcend linguistic barriers endeared him to audiences across India, solidifying his reputation as a pan-Indian icon of musical excellence. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to Indian music, Mukesh received numerous accolades during his career. He was honored with several Filmfare Awards for Best Playback Singer, including posthumous recognition for his poignant rendition in “Kabhi Kabhie”. Additionally, Mukesh was bestowed with the prestigious National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his soulful rendition of “Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai” from the film “Rajnigandha” (1974), underscoring his versatility and enduring appeal.
• Despite his towering success in the world of music, Mukesh remained grounded and committed to philanthropic causes. He actively participated in social initiatives and was a devoted member of Rotary International, using his talent to entertain and uplift communities during times of national crisis.
• Tragically, Mukesh’s life was cut short on August 27, 1976, when he passed away suddenly during a concert tour in the United States. His untimely demise left a profound void in the hearts of music lovers worldwide, marking a somber moment in Indian music history. Yet, Mukesh’s legacy endures through his timeless melodies, which continue to captivate new generations and evoke deep emotional resonance.
• Mukesh Chand Mathur’s journey from a humble beginning to becoming an iconic figure in Indian playback singing exemplifies the transformative power of music. His ability to touch hearts and convey profound emotions through his soulful voice remains unparalleled, making him a timeless beacon of artistic excellence. Mukesh’s contributions to Hindi cinema and Indian music as a whole are not just a chapter in history but a testament to the enduring impact of his talent and dedication. As long as there are melodies that stir the soul and songs that resonate with emotion, Mukesh’s voice will echo through the corridors of time, reminding us of the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and enrich human experience.
• Text : Based on information received from Ministry of Culture.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 23, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is delighted to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on 525^th Birth Anniversary of Saint Meera Bai and salutes her teachings to the world on the ways to love God.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh Brahm Prakash
Cancellation Cachet : Sh Brahm Prakash

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Meera

Born on 1498 at Kudaki, Rajasthan, India

Died on 1546 at Dwarka, Gujarat, India

About : 

• Meera Bai, born in 1498, Kudaki, India, was a hindu mystic and poet whose lyrical songs of devotion to the god Krishna are popular in northern India.
• Meera Bai was a Rajput princess, the only child of Ratan Singh, younger brother of the ruler of Merta. Her royal education included music and religion as well as instruction in politics and government. An image of Krishna given to her during childhood by a holy man began a lifetime of devotion to Krishna, whom she worshipped as her Divine Lover.
• Meera Bai was married in 1516 to Bhoj Raj, crown prince of Mewar. Her husband died in 1521, probably of battle wounds, and thereafter she was the victim of much persecution and intrigue at the hands of her brother-in-law when he ascended the throne, and by his successor, Vikram Singh. Meera Bai was something of a rebel, and her religious pursuits did not fit the established pattern for a Rajput princess and widow. She spent most of her days in her private temple dedicated to Krishna, receiving sadhus (holy men) and pilgrims from throughout India and composing songs of devotion. At least two attempts made on her life are alluded to in her poems. Once a poisonous snake was sent to her in a basket of flowers, but when she opened it, she found an image of Krishna. On another occasion she was given a cup of poison but drank it without any harm.
• Finally, Meera Bai left Mewar and returned to Merta, but finding that her unconventional behaviour was not acceptable there either, she set out on a series of pilgrimages, eventually settling in Dwarka. In 1546 Udai Singh, who had succeeded Vikram Singh as rana, sent a delegation of Brahmans to bring her back to Mewar. Reluctant, she asked permission to spend the night at the temple of Ranchorji (Krishna) and the next morning was found to have disappeared. According to popular belief, she miraculously merged with the image of Ranchorji, but whether she actually died that night or slipped away to spend the rest of her years wandering in disguise is not known.
• Meera Bai belonged to a strong tradition of bhakti (devotional) poets in medieval India who expressed their love of God through the analogy of human relations — a mother’s love for her child, a friend for a friend, or a woman for her beloved. The immense popularity and charm of her lyrics lies in their use of everyday images and in the sweetness of emotions easily understood by the people of India.
• Meera’s mystic songs act as a soothing balm to the wounded hearts and tired nerves of those who toil in this world with the heavy burden of life. The sweet music of her songs exerts a benign influence on the hearers, removes discord and disharmony, and lulls them to sleep. Meera’s language of love is so powerful that even a downright atheist will be moved by her devotional songs. Meera’s songs infuse faith, courage, devotion and love of God in the minds of the readers. They inspire the aspirants to take to the path of devotion and they produce in them a marvellous thrill and a melting of the heart.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 11, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sawai Gandharva.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 212350

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Ramachandra Kundgolkar Saunshi

Born on Jan 19, 1886 at Amminbhavi, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

Died on Sep 12, 1952

About : 

• Pandit Rambhau Kundgolkar, popularly known as Sawai Gandharva was born in Amminbhavi, a small village in Dharwad district of Karnataka on 18-1-1886. He lost his mother Smt. Saraswatibai when he was just 3 months old. Saraswatibai’s elder sister, Smt. Tulasakka took infant Ramachandra under her care and nursed him.
• At the age of 10 years, young Ramachandra happened to meet Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the Pioneer of Kirana Gharana school of Hindustani classical music at Shrimant Ranganagouda Nadgir’s Palatial house at Kundgol in Dharwad district. The Ustad listened to young Ramachandra’s voice and is said to have exclaimed “Gala accha hai” meaning “voice is good”. Shrimant Ranganagouda Nadgir requested the Ustad to teach Classical music to young Ramachandra. Ustad Abdul Karim Khan accepted the request and rigorously trained Ramachandra for the next 10 years.
• After this training, Pt. Rambhau Kundgolkar toured and performed all over India and spread the sweetness of the Kirana Gharana school of music. He also set up his own drama company but, unfortunately, he was forced to shut it down due to heavy losses.
• He once again returned to classical singing, but with a new vigour. His voice was very melodious, that combined with his rigorous training and mastery over voice control, he soon became very popular and was held in high regard. His singing career spanned almost half a century.
• He performed before the Maharaja of Mysore Krishnaraja Wodeyar Nizam of Hyderabad, the Maharajas of Sangli, Kolhapur and Aundh etc., all of whom were impressed with his renderings and held him in high esteem.
• In the year 1924, AICC meeting was held in Belgaum where Mahatma Gandhi was the President. Pt. Sawai Gandharva performed there and Gandhiji, impressed with the singing, honoured Panditji with khadi garland.
• In 1929, the electrification of the main line between Mumbai and Pune was inaugurated by Sir Frederic Sykes, Governor of Bombay. The Governor had sent a special invitation to Pt Sawai Gandharva to perform before distinguished guests in Pune. The Governor was very happy to listen to Hindustani Classical music and honoured Pt Sawai Gandharva with a silver plate full of Victorian coins and exclaimed “What a great music, I have never listened to such divine music. Panditji did not allow me to change my posture for three hours and I got completely immersed in the music which is nothing but heavenly”.
• Pt. Sawai Gandharva was invited for the singing by the Secretary of Vijayanagar Empire Sixth Century Association. The luminaries present in the programme included the Maharaja of Mysore, Jnanpith awardee Dr. D R Bendre, Dr. V K Gokak, great historian Alur Venkatarao and others. Panditji’s singing was responded to by a standing ovation.
• Prince Dadasaheb Khaparde, Head of Varhad state bestowed the title of Sawai Gandharva upon Panditji.
• In 1946, Bharat Ratna Pt Bhimsen Joshi arranged ‘Ganda Bandhan’ ceremony by his guru Pt Sawai Gandharva at Railway’s North Institute of the Madras Southern Maratha Railway at Hubli in Karnataka. On this occasion, inspite of ill health, Pt Sawai Gandharva rendered Rag Jayajayawanti and Marathi abhangs.
• Pandit Sawai Gandharva’s disciples include, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Bharat Ratna Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Padma Bhushan Dr. Basavraj Rajguru, Padma Shri Feroze Dastur, Shrimant Nanasaheb Nadgir and Dr. Nanasaheb Deshpande.
• The essence of the music of Sawai Gandharva was emotion and intellect. He never displayed virtuosity for his own sake, but concentrated on the spirit of his Ragas. His ‘Asthaiji’ revealed a leisurely pace and meticulous unfolding of musical notes. The quite unhurried progression punctuated by soft swara-alap and the gradual exploration of the different dimensions of the Raga framework was the hallmark of his performance. This made his repertoire pleasing and at the same time subtle to the listening ears. Sawai Gandharva Rambhau Kundgolkar breathed his last on 12^th September 1951 at Pune.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jun 25, 2020

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue six pairs of se-tenant Commemorative Postage Stamps on Musical Instruments of Wandering Minstrels.

Credits :
Stamps/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Sankha Samanta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (12)

Stamps Printed : 500000 each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• India boasts of an ancient and rich musical tradition. A study of musical texts, paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times to the present day would reveal the continuity of the musical traditions of India. Musical instruments appear in the drawings and paintings (dating back to the Mesolithic era) of Bhimbetka rock shelters which is a World Heritage Site. Evidence of dance and music has been found in the excavations of the Harappan Civilization too.
• Music combines vocal or instrumental sounds for emotional expression. Musical instruments represent music in a tangible form. A study of musical instruments helps in tracing the evolution of music and also explains many aspects of the culture of the group of people using these instruments. In the Natya Shastra, compiled by Bharata Muni, musical instruments have been divided into four main categories on the basis of how sound is produced: (i) The Tata Vadya or Chordophones – Stringed instruments; (ii) The Sushira Vadya or Aerophones – Wind instruments; (iii) The Avanaddha Vadya or Membranophones – Percussion instruments; and (iv) The Ghana Vadya or Idiophones – Solid instruments which do not require tuning.
• Wandering minstrels are performers who travel from place to place performing musical acts. They have been an integral part of musical traditions of India. They composed songs to glorify their patrons and legendary heroes and inspired many dramatists of the classical Sanskrit theatre to write dramas. The charm of wandering minstrels lies in their songs and music. These wandering minstrels singing and playing on roads and streets in villages and towns at festive occasions, private as well as public, have always been a common sight in India. The soothing effect of the songs of wandering minstrels and the music mingled with their emotions and thoughts complement the force of love and goodwill directed towards the people. Beyond their functional utility, musical instruments used by wandering minstrels are aesthetically pleasing and capture the local cultural elements of various regions of India.
• Kamaicha belonging to the chordophone category is a bowed instrument with a big bowl shaped skin covered resonator, a rectangular finger board and a round peg box. Three main gut strings and eight drone steel strings are attached to a metal hook, passed over the bridge and tied to the pegs. It is played with a bow made of Shisham wood and horse hair. It is used by the Manganiar community of West Rajasthan as a popular accompaniment to their songs.
• Ravanahatha, also of the chordophone category, comprises a resonator made of coconut shell and a long bamboo finger board fixed to it. The main playing string is made of horse hair whereas another playing string and 16 sympathetic strings are made of steel. It is played with a bow made of curved wooden stick and horse hair. It is used for vocal accompaniment by Bhopas of Rajasthan in a traditional narrative from called Pabuji Ki Phad.
• Surando is an ancient folk musical instrument of the chordophone category traditionally used by the Fakirani Jat community of Kutch. It is a stringed musical instrument played with the use of a bow called Gaz or Gazi in the local dialect. The body of the instrument is preferably made of a single piece of lahirro wood to create the most precise shape and perfect melody. The bow comprises strings of horse’s hair or gut fastened to each of a flexible stick. The bow is placed on the strings at right angles to it and is moved back and forth across it.
• Algoza belonging to the aerophone category, comprises a set of two equal sized bamboo, beaked flutes with five finger holes and a fipple hole on each flute. Both the flutes are blown simultaneously by the player. It is used by the Meo community of Alwar, Rajasthan as an accompaniment to their folk and tribal songs.
• Burrakatha is an oral storytelling technique in the Jangam Katha tradition, performed in the villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Burrakatha Dakki is a pitcher shaped brass vessel with a short neck and a round belly. It belongs to the membranophone category. The wider end is covered with skin with the help of a cotton cord through hoops and an iron ring. It is suspended from the neck and played by palms by Burrakatha balladeers.
• Ektara comprises a cylindrical wooden resonator with base covered with skin, attached to a split bamboo and a single steel string plucked rhythmically by the index finger. It belongs to the chordophone category. The split bamboo is manipulated to produce variations in tone. It is a common instrument in Baul music from Bengal and used by Bauls and mendicants of Odisha and neighboring regions as a drone instrument.
• Text : Based on information available on the internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 13, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Ustad Sabri Khan.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Kamleshwar Singh

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 5.0 Lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Sabri Khan

Born on May 21, 1927 at Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Died on Dec 1, 2015 at New Delhi, India

About : 

• Ustad Sabri Khan was born on 21^st May, 1927 at Moradabad, UP. He was a renowned musician of India who descended on both sides of his family from a line of distinguished musicians. By virtue of belonging to the Senia Moradabad Gharana, the tradition of his music can be traced to Mian Tansen, the great vocalist in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Khansaheb was initiated into Sarangi playing by his grandfather, Ustad Haji Mohammed Khan and later continued his training under his father Ustad Chajju Khan, both accomplished Sarangi exponents of their time. In addition to his rigorous training, he learnt some important and rare techniques of playing this ancient and difficult instrument from his uncle, Ustad Laddan Khan of Rampur.
• Khansaheb had a prodigious command over the Sarangi – bowed instrument, which is considered to be a tough instrument to master in Indian instrumental music. In playing Sarangi, he generated his own style where along with purity of raga, variety of tans, layakari (rhythmic oscillations), alaap-jor the traditional form of Sarangi-playing in its total originality was also present.
• The credit of introducing the Sarangi to American and European audiences goes to Khansaheb. He had played the first ever Sarangi and Western violin duet with the renowned Sir Yehudi Menuhin and he was invited as a visiting professor by the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. He toured extensively across the world and performed in various countries. He won respect, admiration and accolades from audiences across the world. Ustad Sahib was one of the musicians from All India Radio who performed for India’s Independence on 15^th August, 1947 at Parliament House, New Delhi.
• When Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru was ill and he was advised by the doctors to listen to music, it was Ustad Saheb who used to go and perform for him. He was also the favourite of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and former Presidents of India, Sh. V. V. Giri, Shri R. Venkatraman and Sh. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. In appreciation of his contribution to Classical Music of India, Ustad Sabri Khan received numerous honours and awards, including the Sahitya Kala Parishad Award, UP Sangeet Natak Academy Award, National Sangeet Natak Academy Award and the prestigious Padma Shri Award and Padma Bhushan Award from the President of India. He died at the age of 88 on 01 December, 2015 at his home in New Delhi.
• The seventh and eighth generations of his family are contributing with the tradition of playing Sarangi in the form of his son, Ustad Kamal Sabri and grandsons Suhail Khan and Nabeel Khan.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 3, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on M. L. Vasanthakumari.

Credits :
Stamp/First Day Cover/Brochure : Shri Sankha Samantha
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 501540

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Madras Lalitangi Vasanthakumari

Born on 3 Jul, 1928 at Madras, British India

Died on 31 Oct, 1990 at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

About : 

• Born into a family of singers, this classical Indian Carnatic vocalist was eventually known as MLV, an acronym standing for melody, laya and vidwat, three essential components of Carnatic music, which translated refer to melody, rhythmic variation and depth of feeling. She was one of a select triad of female vocalists who pushed the boundaries in a male-dominated culture, not only earning the right to perform on concert stages instead of only at private parties, but also being allowed to develop and demonstrate the ability to perform extended serious pieces from a variety of classical disciplines. Her associate female composers were the vocalists D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi, together the three are widely referred to as the female Trinity of Carnatic music.
• Vasanthakumari’s mother was the concert performer Lalithangi. As a child, the little MLV was a support singer and also picked up training later on from the vocalist G. N. Balasubramaniam. He was her first large influence and the early stages of her music are marked by the same kind of rapid-fire phrasing and tricky rhythmic patterns that he was known for. Later in her career, she made a stylistic change and became an innovator.
• Born in Chennai on 3 July 1928 to musician parents Koothanur Ayyasami Iyer and Lalithangi, Vasanthakumari was a child prodigy. Lalithangi had learnt music from Coimbatore Thayi, Flute Subba Rao and Veena Dhanammal. Iyer and Lalithangi played an important part in propagating the devarnamas of Purandaradasa and also showed keen interest in Hindustani music. Young Vasanthi naturally grew up in a wonderful musical atmosphere, listening to the songs of Purandaradasa, the Trinity and other composers and visiting Hindustani musicians.
• But for the insistence of her charismatic guru, G. N. Balasubramanian, Vasanthakumari might not have become a career musician, as her parents, disappointed by lack of recognition, wanted her to pursue a proper education rather than music. She completed Senior Cambridge at school and acquired proficiency in English, developing a keen intellect that was often reflected in her music. It was G. N. Balasubramanian, who had heard her singing to herself once when he happened to be rehearsing for a programme with Lalithangi and D. K. Pattammal, who convinced them to let her learn from him.
• Vasanthi started accompanying Lalithangi in her recitals from the age of 11. She gave her first solo recital in Bangalore unexpectedly in 1941, when she was barely 13, as Lalithangi had to withdraw because of an attack of asthma. Introduced that evening to the audience as Madras Lalithangi Vasanthakumari, she gradually became famous as MLV.
• Vasanthakumari earnestly followed her guru’s advice that she must imbibe the best attributes of his music but must not imitate her. Her raga alapana, for instance, was marked by the same step-by-step development patented by GNB. She was also outstanding in niraval, with brigas flowing effortlessly from her silvery voice. In swaraprastara, too she was creative and original, striking surprising swara combinations with utmost fluidity. She was quite at her best in the ragamalika swaras she tended to render as part of ragam-tanam-pallavi. The ragamalika could be of mainstream ragas like Kanada, Kedaram, Yadukulakambhoji and Sahana, or rare ones like the Hindustani Tilang, Revati, Sindhubhairavi, Kalavati and Chandrakauns.
• Vasanthakumari’s kutcheris usually included besides ragam-tanam-pallavi, a varnam, a kriti in a major raga like Sankarabharanam, Kalyani, Bhairavi, Kambhoji, Todi or Kharaharapriya, kritis in ragas like Amritavarshini, Mohanam, Arabhi, Andolika, Hindolam or Poorvikalyani and lighter compositions following the main item, and a tillana to be sure. Her exquisite rendering of Purandaradasa songs was a major draw in her concerts.
• MLV was an excellent and caring teacher who took a loving interest in the careers of her disciples. Her daughter Srividya was a talented dancer who became a highly respected actor in Tamil cinema. She made the move into film music and was in demand on soundtracks. She was awarded with many titles and honours from music organizations all over the world. Among these were a doctorate degree, the cherished Padma Bhushan from the Government of India, the title of Sangita Kalanidhi from the Madras Music Academy and many more.
• Text : Based on material received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 30, 2016

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a set of 10 commemorative postage stamps on Legendary Singers of India.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.15 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Mukesh Chand Mathur

Born on Jul 22, 1923 at Delhi, British India

Died on Aug 27, 1976 at Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

About : 

• Mukesh (22 July 1923 – 27 August 1976) is known for his rendition of soulful and melodious songs and was one of Hindi film industry’s most celebrated figures in the field of playback singing. Mukesh Chand Mathur, popularly known as Mukesh created his own singing style. He delivered many songs which became popular when he sang for films like Anokhi Ada (1948), Mela (1948), Andaz (1949). Mukesh is best known for the songs that he sung for actor Raj Kapoor. He remained active as a singer for two decades spanning the 1950s to 1970s which saw the rise of the man who is immortalized in the pages of playback singing. Mukesh received Filmfare Best Male Playback Singer awards for films ‘Anari’, ‘Pehchan’, ‘Beimaan’ and ‘Kabhie Kabhie’.
  
• Text : Based on the material available on Internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 30, 2016

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a set of 10 commemorative postage stamps on Legendary Singers of India.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.15 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Shamshad Begum

Born on Apr 14, 1919 at Lahore, Punjab, British India [now in Pakistan]

Died on Apr 23, 2013 at Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

About : 

• Shamshad Begum (14 April 1919 – 23 April 2013) was a popular personality who was one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry. She had a distinctive voice and was a versatile artist, who sang over 6,000 songs in Hindi and the Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil and Punjabi languages. Her significant breakthrough came when she began singing on All India Radio (AIR) in Peshawar and Lahore from 1937. Soon after, she became a well known artist in the Hindi film industry and was at the peak of her career from 1940 to 1955 and again from 1957 to 1968. Shamshad Begum was an artist of extraordinary talent and abilities, and the songs she has left behind in her long career; continue to enthral music lovers even today.
  
• Text : Based on the material available on Internet.

The post Shamshad Begum appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 30, 2016

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a set of 10 commemorative postage stamps on Legendary Singers of India.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.15 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Talat Mahmood

Born on Feb 24, 1924 at Lucknow, United Provinces, British India [now in Uttar Pradesh]

Died on May 9, 1998 at Mumbai, India

About : 

• Talat Mahmood (24 February 1924 – 9 May 1998) is considered one of the greatest male non-classical and semi-classical singers of the country who conquered innumerable hearts and stirred countless souls with his beautifully soft silken voice and profoundly artistic subtle method of singing. Even though he is particularly admired for his rendition of soft and somber semi-classical and non-classical ghazals, the film songs sung by him are also considered critically flawless and outstanding. Talat Mahmood was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1992, in recognition of his profound artistic contributions in the spheres of cinematic and ghazal music.
  
• Text : Based on the material available on Internet.

The post Talat Mahmood appeared first on iStampGallery.