Classical singer Prabha Atre passes away

Renowned classical singer Dr Prabha Atre passed away following a cardiac arrest at her residence in the Indian state of Pune on Saturday (January 13).

She was 92.

Atre, who represented the Kirana Gharana of the Hindustani classical music, had been honoured with all three of Padma awards by the Indian government.

“Atre suffered a cardiac arrest during her sleep at her residence. She was rushed to a private hospital in Kothrud area of the city, where she was declared dead at 5.30 am,” according to a source.

Since some of the close family members of Atre live abroad, her funeral will be performed once they arrive, the source added.

Born on September 13, 1932, Atre was known as a multi-faceted personality. Besides being a classical vocalist, she was also an academician, researcher, composer and author. A science and law graduate, she had a doctorate in music.

She is known for her contribution in popularising Hindustani classical vocal at a global level. Adept at styles like Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, geet, Natyasangeet, and bhajans, Atre had been giving private lessons to students since the last five decades.

She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian honour, in January 2022. She was earlier honoured with the Padma Shri award in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002. She was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991.

(With inputs from agencies)