Mumbai, May 30: Pandit Devbrat Chaudhary, affectionately known as Debu Chaudhary, captivated audiences worldwide with his sitar melodies. His journey in music began at an astonishingly young age. At just four years old, he picked up the sitar, dedicating his life to this art form.
Born on May 30, 1935, in Ramgopalpur, now part of Bangladesh, Devbrat displayed an early passion for music. While most children were playing with toys, he was immersed in the world of melodies. By the age of 18, he had his first performance broadcasted on All India Radio, a significant honor at that time.
After the partition of India, his family relocated to Kolkata, then regarded as the cultural capital of the country. Living there allowed him to experience the performances of many great artists. He drew inspiration from legends like Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan and Ustad Mushtaq Ali Khan. Later, he formally trained under Ustad Mushtaq Ali Khan for nearly 38 years.
Debu Chaudhary was associated with the Senia gharana, known for its adherence to the purity of ragas and its connection to the tradition of Tansen. His unique style set him apart from other artists. He played a 17-fret sitar, a challenging instrument to master, and his sitar was often referred to as the “singing sitar” due to its sweet sound.
He also made significant contributions to music education. Serving as a professor and later as dean in the music department at Delhi University, he taught thousands of students. He believed that music was not just an art form but a means to enhance humanity.
In addition to his musical prowess, Pandit Devbrat Chaudhary was an author, penning several books on Indian music and creating eight new ragas. He brought Indian classical music to new heights both in India and abroad. Notably, he recorded 24 ragas in America, tailored to different times of the day, marking a unique experiment.
In recognition of his contributions, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri and later the Padma Bhushan. He also received numerous accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, placing him among greats like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan.
Sadly, in 2021, Pandit Devbrat Chaudhary’s health deteriorated due to COVID-19, leading to his hospitalization at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital in Delhi. He passed away on May 1, 2021.
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