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Another music maestro fades away

Yet another music maestro has bid farewell to the world. Thumri exponent Girja Devi's death is not only a great loss to Indian classical music but for all lovers of classical music. Girja Devi will always be known as one of the greatest exponents of Banaras and Senia gharana who brought thumri from courts onto proscenium stage. The iconic violist had an illustrative musical career dotted with innumerable honours like Padma Shri (1972), Padma Bhushan (1989), Padma Vibhushan (2016) and Sangeet Natak Akademy (1977). Indian classical music has lost one of its most melodious voices. Her death is an irreparable loss and her rich contribution to kathak will always be remembered.
Ramesh G Jethwani, India