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Quick Facts
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A musical prodigy who created magic with the Sarod, Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta was one of the most revered figures of Hindustani Classical Music, who not only played the sarod but was an exceptional vocalist too.
Quite often, we come across people who command a surreal, serene ambience around them through their works. Pandit Dasgupta was just one of those people. Having studied from IIEST in Shibpur, he was signed by record label Nimbus Records for propagating his art form across various geographical borders. An active performer at All India Radio, Panditji was conferred with the Padma Bhushan for his exemplary contributions to the world of music.
Panditji also featured in the Raga Guide series of Nimbus Records, which is an archive of musical prodigies and their experiences culminating into art.
Exposure to Music since a Young Age and the Journey Further
Pandit Dasgupta was exposed to music at a very early age as his father who worked as a District Magistrate and a lover of music. As he came under the tutelage of Sarod Maestro Sangitachrya Sri Radhika Mohan Maitra, he went on to perform for All India Radio for numerous sessions as a guest performer. This is exactly what set his journey towards glory.
The Man who Aced Many Fields
Although Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta was an avid and talented musician, he aced in academics too. The multitasker and genius musician scored the second position in the Matriculate Examinations in the year 1948 and also went on to study at one of the most prestigious and premier institutions, the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur where he scored the second position as well. Moreover, he also received an honorary D.Litt degree from the Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur.
Awards and Decorations
Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta was never hungry for felicitations. He stayed true to his art form and created a niche for himself in the musical world. As the world revered him for his magical touch and musical prowess, Panditji himself led a very humble and understated life and this was highlighted when he turned down the Padma Shri by the Indian Government in the year 2011. The reason for the same was that it was too late for a Padma Shri decoration. The Indian Government then conferred him with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 and this instance only proves his undaunted confidence in his art form and the amount of respect he commanded for the same.
The Autobiography that Turned Out to be a Bestseller
Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta once more shone in the public domain as he wrote his heartfelt and profound autobiography named Bamaner Chandrasparshavilash which means the yearning of a dwarf to reach for the moon in Bengali. This book created quite a stir as it was a part of a periodic series in a Bengali Publication Disha and later was compiled into a book in the year 2004. The second volume of this book got released subsequently in the year 2010 and created a stir in the literary market becoming a bestseller in a very short time after its publication.
Sarod Maestro Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta died due to cardiac arrest in 15th January 2018 at the age of 84 years.
Pandit Buddhadev’s life has been an epitome of perfection and diligence. Whatever he did, he did it with pure conviction and perfection and this is why he achieved undisputed glory in every endeavour he took part in. His life is an inspiration for artistes and creators and anyone who wants to stay true to his art and achieve success in life.
Written By: Aishwarya Sharma
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