In Memoriam: Tributes Pour In For Late Hindustani Singer Prabha

Prabha Atre, a celebrated legend of classical music and a legend in India's cultural art landscape, passed away on January 13, aged 92. She reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest while asleep at her residence in Pune and died at around 5:30 a.m. An unnamed source told the Press Trust of India, adding that her funeral will be performed once her close relatives who live abroad arrive. The news of Atre's passing has prompted sorrowful reactions from several renowned artists and her admirers across the world.

Many of Atre's admirers have taken to social media to write tributes to the maestro. Several prominent musicians have also shared their condolences and memories on Twitter. Atre has had a deep impact on the Indian music industry as well as touched the personal lives of several people. 

Prabha Atre, A Musical Maven

Prabha Atre was a symbolic representative of the Kirana Gharana style of Hindustani music. In 2022, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan; In 2002, she received the Padma Bhushan; and in 1990, she received the Padma Shri. Atre has many more awards and honours to her name, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Ustad Faiyyaz Ahmed Khan Memorial Award. Her gurus were Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Badodekar from the Kirana Gharana.

Atre had a Bachelor of Science degree from Fergusson College, Pune, and an LL.B. from the University of Pune Law College. She also pursued a Master's in Music at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. She then studied at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. She later also earned a PhD in music, when her doctoral thesis was titled Sargam and pertained to the use of sa-re-ga-ma notes in Indian classical music.

Condolences Pour In

Broadcast journalist Syed Mohd Irfan wrote a soulful message, remembering the beauty of Prabha Atre's voice. He shared condolence messages on X.

Deeply grateful to Prabha Atre for enriching our lives with the beauty of her classical singing. Her soulful melodies will forever be a cherished part of our memories.

Rest in peace, maestro. 🙏@PrabhaAtre #PrabhaAtre #PrabhaTai #RIM #RIP #MusicInIndia #KiranaGharana pic.twitter.com/2rNaEw0p6x

— Irfan (@irfaniyat) January 13, 2024

Prabha Atre, honored with all three Padma awards, skillfully mastered her art, elegantly singing नन्द कुँवर की छबि न्यारी... at the age of 61. #RIP #PrabhaAtre #PrabhaTai #Archives #RareVideos #IndianMusic #RIM pic.twitter.com/iDwqOSbIAp

— Irfan (@irfaniyat) January 13, 2024

Eshan Sharma, who is an aspiring historian, also shared their sorrow over the news of her passing.

Saddened to hear about the passing of Swar Yogini Dr. Prabha Atre. An internationally renowned vocalist, she held a senior position in her time. Even at the age of 92, she remained active. She represented the Kirana gharana and was a true maestro. pic.twitter.com/DHd8sO40EM

— Eshan Sharma (@iameshansharma_) January 13, 2024

Here are more reactions from across the world. 

Renowned classical singer Prabha Atre, another doyen of classical vocal music ,Kirana Gharana, leaves us today .RIP 🙏
She represented the Kirana Gharana of the Hindustani classical music and was a true exponent of the genre and above all a very refined and a humble soul 🌹 pic.twitter.com/6vofYzW1GO

— Beena Raza (@razabeena) January 13, 2024

Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary Dr. Prabha Atre, a true maestro in the world of classical music. Her contribution to the Kirana Gharana and the richness of Hindustani classical music will forever be cherished. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family and the music… pic.twitter.com/hPB35t4tJ1

— Vijay Darda (@vijayjdarda) January 13, 2024