Madhura Pandit Jasraj, wife of late maestro Pt. Jasraj, dies
What's the story
Madhura Pandit Jasraj, the wife of the late Indian classical music legend Pandit Jasraj and daughter of filmmaker V Shantaram, died on Wednesday at her residence in Mumbai. She was 86.
Her daughter Durga confirmed that she had been unwell for some time. The last rites will be held at Oshiwara Crematorium later in the day.
Pt. Jasraj passed away in 2020. They are survived by their two children: music director Shaarang Dev Pandit and television personality Durga.
Family statement
Durga mourned her mother's demise, highlighted her contributions
Durga expressed deep sorrow over her mother's demise and emphasized her significant contributions to the arts.
"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," she said in a statement.
She also highlighted that Madhura had "single-handedly written, conceived, and directed a documentary on V Shantaram," which received several accolades.
Artistic contributions
Madhura's artistic endeavors and legacy preservation
Madhura was not only known for her familial ties but also for her significant contributions to the arts.
She authored a biography on her husband, capturing his illustrious career as a classical vocalist associated with the Mewati gharana.
Her work extended beyond literature; she directed films such as Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj (2009) and Aai Tuza Ashirwad (2010), where she collaborated with prominent artists like Lata Mangeshkar.
Relationship
Madhura and Pt. Jasraj's love story
Madhura and Pt. Jasraj got married in 1962.
In an interview, he recounted their first encounter in 1954, at a concert. He mentioned that he had been advised to speak with her to get introduced to her father.
"We met briefly and, till 1960, I met her each time I performed in Mumbai...Otherwise, we were not in touch as the phone was an expensive option...In 1960, I stayed in Mumbai, during which time we fell in love," he shared.