Veteran Gujarati music composer Kshemu Divetia passed away aged 85 years, in the early hours of Thursday at Medisurge Hospital in Ahmedabad.
Veteran Gujarati music composer Kshemu Divetia passed away aged 85 years, in the early hours of Thursday at Medisurge Hospital in Ahmedabad. The legendary composer had been suffering from a chronic illness.
Born on October 1, 1924, Divetia had become synonymous with Gujarati music. In addition to his career in the music industry, he had been a cricketer for Gujarat College and had also become the first Gujarati language commentator in 1955-56.
“He was a very warm and friendly human being. He gave numerous young artists their first break in Gujarati music without any hesitance. He will be remembered not just for his outstanding music, but also for his personality,” were the words of music composer duo Shyamal and Saumil Munshi.
In addition, the Gujarati film
Kashi No Dikaro had earned him the best music director award. His main contribution to the world of Gujarati music was ‘Sangitsudha’, a 10 album compilation of the songs of 35 poets sung by 26 artists, which he produced at the age of 60 years in 1984.
Divetia was trained in music by his gurus Jaysukhlal Bhojak, Hamid Hussain Khan and VR Athwale. He began composing songs while working with Akashwani, All India Radio, Shrutivrund and the Rangmandal Drama Institute in the 1950s. His wife Sudhaben was also a famous singer and they had jointly composed several songs.
Among Divetia’s all-time hits are
Dariyaamaa hoy ene moti kehvaay, Gorama ne paanche aangaliye pujyaa and
Maari aankhe kankunaa suraj aathamyaa.
Divetia is also remembered as being an ideal teacher. “I knew him since childhood. He was like a father to me. I would musically arrange his compositions. I learnt a lot from him. He made an incredible contribution to Gujarati light music. He was my friend, philosopher and guide. I hope his blessings are always with me, guiding me further in life,” said music director Gaurang Vyas.
The state government had honoured Divetia with the Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar for his exceptional contribution to the Gujarati music industry. He had also been bestowed the Avinash Vyas award by Morari Bapu, an award given to eminent Gujarati personalities for their contribution to Gujarati light music.
“I was first introduced to Divetia 30 years ago when he was kind enough to allow me to compeer for his music group ‘Shruti’. All my songs were composed by him. He was a multifaceted personality who managed his business with passion. Everybody loved him and he loved everybody. His love for music is reflected in his work. He was very creative, combining ragas of different kinds, creating exceptional music. Now with his demise, that era of melody is over,” said Tushar Shukla, former station director of All India Radio.
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