Biography of Kumar Gandharva

Born: 8 April 1924, Sulebhavi
Died: 12 January 1992, Dewas

Kumar Gandharva, whose real name was Shivputra Siddharamya Komkali, was born in 1924 at Sulebhavi in Karnataka. When he was only 10 years old, he sang in the All India Musical Conference, Allahabad. In 1935, at the age of 11, he demonstrated his outstanding talent by singing before spectators in the Jinna Hall of Kolkata.

Kumar Gandharva was taught the lessons of music by Professor B.R. Devdhar. As a beginner of music, he used to imitate the songs of other singers. But after ceaseless efforts, he started singing his own songs. He never repeated songs at different places. He possessed the capability to give new life even to the old ragas.

In 1965, his book ‘Anoop Raga Vplas', incorporated with his new Bandish and new ragas, was published. His book 'Geet Varsha', describes the tones and nature of rain. His other books are 'Geet Hemant', 'Geet Vasant', ‘Trivenit', etc. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan and a fellowship of the Sangeet Natak Academy. He died on January 12, 1992.