Veteran Hindustani vocalist Malini Rajurkar passes away at 82

Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Malini Rajurkar, an esteemed exponent of the Gwalior gharana and a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, passed away in the city on Wednesday due to age-related issues. She was 82 years old.

Ms. Rajurkar had been admitted to a local hospital on Tuesday, and sadly, she breathed her last on Wednesday at 4:15 pm, as confirmed by a close friend. Author Vidya Deodhar, a long-time acquaintance of Ms. Rajurkar, revealed, “She had pledged her body for medical studies, and accordingly, it will be donated to Osmania Medical College.”

She is survived by her two daughters and a granddaughter. Malini Rajurkar embarked on her musical journey under the tutelage of Vasantrao Rajurkar, who eventually became her husband. As one of the foremost practitioners of the Gwalior Gharana, she fostered a deep and enduring connection with the audience in Pune, particularly at the annual Sawai Gandharva festival, where she graced the stage for nearly five decades.

Malini Rajurkar was born in the year 1941 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where she spent her formative years. After completing her graduation in mathematics, she dedicated three years to teaching the subject at the Savitri Girl’s High School & College in Ajmer. Her path took a musical turn when she was awarded a three-year scholarship in the arts, leading her to delve deeper into the realm of music. She pursued her musical education at the Ajmer Music College under the guidance of Govindrao Rajurkar and his nephew, Vasantrao Rajurkar, who later became her life partner.

Malini Rajurkar’s performances left an indelible mark on her audience, be it her tappa recitals, Khayal renditions, or natya sangeet. Many fondly remembered her captivating rendition of “Yaa Bhavanatil Geet Purane.” Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s son, Shriniwas, reminisced, “She was pregnant when she sang for the first time at Sawai Gandharva. Panditji tuned her Tanpura, which helped calm her nerves.”

Malini Rajurkar’s musical legacy extends to her numerous albums released under the banner of Pune-based Alurkar Music House. Among her notable works was a spirited composition titled “Birj Yuvati Sang Racho Rang Raas” in raga Maru Bihag, which vividly portrayed the traditional Raas Leela.

Her demise marks the end of an era in the world of Hindustani classical music, leaving behind a rich and enduring musical legacy that will be cherished by generations to come.

-Rajak Sharma

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