Balwant Rai Bhatt | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1921-09-23)23 September 1921 |
| Origin | Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India |
| Died | 2 May 2016(2016-05-02) (aged 94) |
| Genres | Hindustani Classical Music |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, Singer |
Pandit Balwant Rai Bhatt (23 September 1921 – 2 May 2016) was a noted Indian composer and musician ofHindustani Vocal Music.[1] He was also known asBhavrang (भावरंग). He died at his home in Varanasi on 2 May 2016.
Balwant Rai Bhatt was born in Bhavnagar, Gujarat to Smt. Harkunvar and Shri Gulabrai Bhatt on 23 September 1921.[2]
Bhatt was a disciple ofPandit Omkarnath Thakur ofGwalior Gharana. In 1950, he moved toVaranasi with his mentor setting up a music institution named Kala Sangeet Bharati at theBanaras Hindu University. He taught at the university for 31 years. The music institution grew and evolved through the years, and was the Faculty of Performing Arts.[3]
Apart from being an educator, he was known as an exceptionally talented composer. He was considered a completeVaggeyakaar, one who composes bothVak or the word (couplets, poems) and theGeya (literally translated to singable) or the melody. He has a penchant for layakari, and many of his compositions incorporate intricatelaya (tempo) patterns. Many of his compositions have been published in book form as the three volumes ofBhavrang Lahari. Bhavrang was his pen name. He was 'Gurubandhu' Classmate of Pt.Jashvantrai Bhatt(Disciple of Omkarnathji).
He edited theSangeetanjali series of books that were authored byPandit Omkarnath Thakur. A 3-volume book series calledBhavrang Lahari (भावरंग लहरी) contains many of his compositions.
Balwant Rai Bhatt has been awardedPadma Shri by the Government of India in 1990.[4] He was awardedSangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2004.[5] He was honored with the prestigiousKalidas Samman in the year 2007–08.[6]
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