Heartfelt Homage to the Queen of Thumri Cherished are those whose dedication adds melody to the world

Vidushi Girija Devi, a deeply admired Hindustani Classical vocalist and one the foundational exponents of the Banaras Gharana, who elevated Thumri singing to transcendent levels, breathed her last, aged 88

Such are the words of a famous photographer who recently captured various moods of this legend during the Thumri Mahotsav organised in Delhi. The sudden demise of Vidushi Girija Devi, doyen of the Banaras Gharana, is nothing but an end of an era. Fondly referred to as Appaji, she was melody personified. Vidushi Girija Devi

(8 May 1929 – 24 October 2017) Born in a Zamindar family near Varanasi to a doting father who himself was a music aficionado,

Appaji began learning music at the tender age of five from Pt. Sarju Prasad Mishra and thereafter became the shishyaa of Pt. Shrichand Mishra. Through her extraordinary talent and sincere dedication, she created her own style of Gayaki, particularly of Thumri, which enhanced the tradition of the Senia and Banaras gharana and established her dominion in the music world. Appaji made her public debut in 1949 on All India Radio Allahabad, three years after her marriage  to a businessman who supported and encouraged her art.

Since married ladies from reputable families were traditionally discouraged to perform, she agreed not to perform privately for others, but gave her first public concert in Bihar in 1951. Thereafter innumerable broadcasts and live performances, in India and abroad, followed and Appaji gathered tremendous appreciation and numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1972, Padma Bhushan in 1989 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2016. Between 1980s and 90s, Appaji taught at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata and at the Banaras Hindu University, and continued to be the most respected resident Guru at the former. Innumerable shagirds continued to be touched by her magic.

Appaji’s proficiency extended to all genres of Purabi ang vocals, including Khayal, Kajri, Chaiti, Holi, Tappa, and many more. Her rendition of Kahenwa mano ho radha rani, Rask ke bhare tore nain, Jhoola dheere se jhoolao will always be there in the hearts of Music enthusiasts. Her singing exuded a sense of joy that mesmerised audience. A mentor and a staunch supporter of Takshila , the Thumri Queen had a special place in her heart for the organisation. She will be immensely missed. May her soul rest in peace.