Cinemaazi remembers Sundarabai on her death anniversary
3 Jun 2006
One of the most accomplished of all bhajan singers, Sundarabai (2 March 1923 - 3 June 2006) was influential in encouraging many young women in adapting to the new technologies like the gramophone and radio. Trained by Dabhade Gondhali in Lavni songs and Thakurdasoba in bhajans, she moved to Mumbai from Pune. She was also trained in ghazals, and Banarasi folk songs. While staying in Mumbai she became one of the most sought after singers in India. She also worked with the legendary thespian Bal Gandharva. It was not long before recording companies took notice and unlike her contemporaries she did not shy away from this new medium. Working with The Gramophone Company, Odeon, Regal, Young India, The Twin and Columbia, she sang nearly 100 records and was one of the highest selling artistes of her time. She is credited with popularising many bhajans like Mathura hi sahi in which she inserted subtle references to the ongoing freedom struggle. She acted and sang in V Shantaram's Manoos/Aadmi (1939) and Sangam (1941). Unfortunately she was swindled of her wealth due to her kind nature. Her recording company Navbharat Recording Company also failed. Yet she remains an immensely influential figure in the history of bhajan practice.
