The Indian music fraternity today plunged into grief following the demise of legendary vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, describing him as the 'Kohinoor' of Hindustani classical music.
Pandit Jasraj said he was shocked and saddened at the news of Panditji's death in the early hours. "This is sunset at sunrise," he said.
"He did not belong to any particular gharana, but to the entire Hindustani music world. Joshi had held music lovers spell bound over the last several decades," Jasraj said.
Pandit Satish Vyas described Pandit Bhimsen Joshi as the "Kohinoor" of Indian classical music.
"Classical music was meant for a particular class. But Panditji crossed such barriers and brought the music closer to the common man. The intelligentsia and also the layman applauded his music and this was one of his greatest contributions," he said.
Singers Suresh Wadkar and Arti Ankliker-Tikekar also condoled the passing away of the classical music doyen and said the void will be difficult to fill.
Bhajan and ghazal singer Anup Jalota said, "I lost my father a week ago and now Panditji is no more. Both of them were towering personalities in Bhajan and Hindustani vocal music and came together for several programmes. The Indian music scene has been orphaned."
Condoling his death, classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana said, "He was like an elder brother to me. He was the person who introduced us to Maharashtra".
Vocalist Shounak Abhisheki said Joshi was the Bhishmpitamah of Hindustani classical music.
"He has an immortal place in this field and he achieved this position due to his devotion, dedication and commitment to music," he said.
Abhisheki said Pandjitji was both a great human being and a musician. "His life is an inspiration to new generation of musicians like me and following the path laid down by him would be the greatest tribute."
Singer and music director Shankar Mahadevan said an era of Indian classical music has come to an end with the passing away of Panditji.
"Classical music is considered not so appealing to the masses. But, he connected with the common man with the sheer power of his music and aura of his persona," he said.
"When 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara' was aired more than two decades ago, the common man instantly connected with Panditji. Such was his voice which delivered a strong message of national integration," the singer said.
Flautist Rakesh Chaurasia termed Joshi's death as the biggest loss for the country and said he was an institute in himself.
Classical singer Shubha Mudgal said, "He was a legendary and iconic figure for all students of music".
