The music community and loved ones are in mourning today following the news of Madhura Pandit Jasraj’s demise. The wife of the late legendary vocalist Pandit Jasraj, Madhura, passed away in the early hours of 25th September due to age-related illness. Her passing marks the end of an era for a family and a wider community that has contributed significantly to Indian classical music.
The news of Madhura’s passing was confirmed by her daughter Durga Jasraj. “She had been unwell for some time, and we knew this day might come,” Durga shared in a heartfelt statement to the Times of India. She expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her mother, saying, “Her contribution has been immense, both in her own right and in documenting and restoring the legacy of both her father, Dr. V. Shantaram, and my father, Pandit Jasraj ji.”
An official spokesperson for the Pandit Jasraj family also provided details regarding Madhura’s last rites. The statement read, “Madhura Pandit Jasraj (86), wife of late Pandit Jasraj and mother of Durga Jasraj and Shaarang Dev, left for heaven on 25th September in the early hours due to age-related illness at home. Her mortal remains will be taken from her residence today afternoon, and the last rites will be performed at Oshiwara Crematorium between 4:00 and 4:30 PM on Wednesday, 25th September.”
Madhura’s final journey will begin from her home at Shiv-Karan Building, situated on Fisheries University Road, Off Yari Road, Andheri (W). The planned schedule is set for her mortal remains to leave the residence between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. This will be followed by the ceremonial rites at Oshiwara Crematorium.
Known for her relentless work in preserving and promoting Indian classical music, Madhura was not just the wife of a renowned musician but a pillar in her own right. She played a crucial role in conserving her late husband’s music legacy and was deeply involved in cultural documentation processes. She was the daughter of the celebrated filmmaker Dr.
. V. Shantaram, making her a member of a family deeply embedded in the arts.
Pandit Jasraj, a monumental figure in Indian classical music, had a career that spanned over eight decades. Regarded as one of the greatest classical vocalists of his time, Pandit Jasraj made significant contributions to the Mewati Gharana. His expansive career earned him numerous accolades, including India’s fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri in 1975, the Padma Bhushan in 1990, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2000. Additionally, he received the Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi Classical Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and the Marwar Sangeet Ratna Award in 2014.
Compelling in his dedication to teaching and performing, Pandit Jasraj’s impact was not limited to India alone. His influence extended internationally, particularly in the United States and Canada, where he trained countless students and left an indelible imprint on the musical landscape.
Madhura’s support for her husband was unwavering throughout their journey together. She zealously documented his works and contributed to various initiatives aimed at preserving the heritage of Indian classical music. Her contributions have had a lasting effect on the musical legacy that she and her husband were a part of.
The legacy left behind by the couple is vast and will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts. Followers and students of Pandit Jasraj, friends of the family, and lovers of classical music are likely to remember Madhura as a steadfast figure who not only supported but also nurtured the enduring contributions of her family to the arts.
The passing of Madhura Pandit Jasraj brings with it a period of reflection for many. As her family makes final preparations to bid her farewell, the outpouring of condolences and tributes highlight the significant impact she made on the lives she touched. Her life’s dedication to documenting and conserving the arts ensures that her legacy, and that of her husband’s, will live on.
