Celebrating the legend: Pt. Purushottam Walawalkar

Pandit Purushottam Madhavrao Walawalkar (June 11 1932 to January 13 2014) is acknowledged as one of India’s greatest artists in the genre of harmonium playing. Pt. Walawalkar was born on 11th June, 1923 to Madhavrao and Parvathibai Walawalkar, in the town of Sawantwadi.

Raised in a musical environment, Walawalkar was exposed to his father Madhavrao’s performances with renowned artistes like Bal Gandharva’s musical theatre troupe. Seeing his talent, his father began his training in harmonium under Govindrao Tembe.

Pt. Walawalkar accompanying Pt. Bhimsen Joshi at a mehfil.

He would later polish his skills further with stalwarts like Vitthalrao Korgaonkar and Hanmantrao Walvekar. His regular accompaniment of Pandit Shivrambuwa Vaze and Pandit Kagalkar Buwa helped him imbibe the subtleties of vocal music. This skill not only came handy in his long innings but also kept getting better from all the leading exponents of vocal music he accompanied.

Pt. Walawalkar with "Ramrang"

Pandit Purushottam Walawalkar along with other artists established the Harmonium even as solo instrument in Indian Classical music. The harmonium replaced the Sarangi (Indian fiddel) in the early 20th century and went through tough times as it first was banned as accompanying instrument by A.I.R. (All India Radio).

Pt. Walawalkar passed away leaving many musci lovers in mourning. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.

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