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Chhota Gandharva dead

Saudagar Nagnath Gore, whose melodious voice earned him the epithet Chhota Gandharva, passed into the ages on Wednesday.

The man, who dominated Marathi musical theatre for almost 40 years, was 79 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Chhota Gandharva, who suffered from asthma, was admitted to hospital on December 22.

The gifted singer was born on March 10, 1918 at Koregaon in Satara district. His talents blossomed early and he acted in his first play, Pranpratistha when he was only ten years old.

Thereafter, Chhota Gandharva ruled the Marathi musical theatre like a colossus with plays like Sangeet Saubhadra Sangeet Manapman, Mrichchkatik, Sanbhaykallol, Dev Manus, Suvarna Tula, Lagnachi Bedi... He was considered the last of the Gandharvas in the Gandharva tradition of Marathi musical theatre after such stalwarts like Bal Gandharva, Sawai Gandharva and Kumar Gandharva.

His voice was so melodious that admirers often said it was sweeter than grapes dipped in honey.

Chhota Gandharva retired from Marathi theatre at 60 though he still continued to render classical songs at mehfils.

UNI

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