Gangubai Hangal

Born in 1913 in a family of musicians Gangubai Hangal was initiated in music by her mother Ambabai. She was later a disciple of Rambabu Kundgolkar, better known as Sawai Gandharva.

One of the foremost exponents of the Kirana gharana, and among our front-ranking Hindustani vocalists Gangubai Hangal has enriched Indian music by her own unique talents. Gifted with a reasonant and flexible voice, she has a repertoire which is rich and diverse.

For her service to music Gangubai Hangal has received many honours. She received the Mysore State Akademi Award in 1962 and the Padma Bhushan in 1971, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award was bestowed on her in 1973 and an honorary doctorate of Karnataka University in 1976. She has served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka. A film on her life and work has been made by Vijaya Muley.