Shobha Gurtu

Biography:

Shobha Gurtu, known as the Thumri Queen, was an eminent Indian singer renowned for her mastery in the light Hindustani classical style. Born Bhanumati Shirodkar in 1925 in Belgaum, Karnataka, her mother, Menekabai Shirodkar, herself a disciple of Ustad Alladiya Khan, played a significant role in nurturing Shobha’s musical talents from a young age.

She married Vishwanath Gurtu, from a respected Kashmiri Brahmin family, and was later known as Shobha Gurtu. Her musical journey commenced with formal training from Ustad Bhurji Khan, escalating her association with the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana under the guidance of Ustad Natthan Khan and Ustad Ghamman Khan.

Shobha Gurtu excelled in semi-classical forms like thumri, dadra, Kajri, and Hori, infusing pure classical elements into her renditions, thereby redefining these genres. Her musical prowess drew inspiration from legends like Begum Akhtar and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. She ventured into playback singing in Hindi and Marathi cinema, lending her soulful voice to renowned films such as “Pakeezah” and “Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki,” earning accolades and a Filmfare nomination.