Marathi film lyricist Khebudkar is no more

The veteran Marathi film lyricist, writer and poet, Jagdish Khebudkar (80) died at a private hospital on Tuesday afternoon. Khebudkar was bed ridden at a private hospital for the past 15 days due to renal failure.

Born on May 10, 1932 in Kolhapur, Khebudkar is credited for having written the lyrics for more than 2500 songs in 300-odd Marathi films. He had been honoured with V Shantaram Award in 2009. He had also written a book, Chitranagariche Pravasi.
Although he started writing from 1948, the first big success for him was Mala Mhantata Lavangi Mirchi from Ranglya Ratri Asha in 1961. After this success, he became the most sought-after lyricist of Marathi films. Popularly known as Nana, he took the lavani to new heights with many mesmerizing compositions.

There is no match for his devotional songs such as the Changbhalre Changbhal deva Jotiba Changbhala, (Jotibacha Navas) and Ashtavinayaka Tuza Mahima Kasa (Ashtavinayak).
The Marathi film fraternity expressed grief and shock over the demise of Khebudkar. Music director Anand Modak said that after Madgulkar, it was Khebudkar who made a mark in the Marathi film industry as a lyricist. Actor Ramesh Deo too described Khebudkar as a versatile lyricist.

The last rites of Khebudkar, survived by two daughters, would take place on Wednesday.