Homecoming for Gangubai

Homecoming for Gangubai

Deepa Ganesh - The Hindu

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED: Gangotri, the house where Gangubai Hangal spent her childhood, in Dharwad.

DHARWAD: “Today, Chief Minister Yeddyurappa will offer it to the nation. He will be arriving in a few minutes from now...,” came the announcement every few minutes.

In the narrow bylane of Yellapur Road in Shukravar Pet, Dharwad, where “Gangotri”, the home of Gangubai Hangal’s childhood is located, the atmosphere was charged with festivity on Tuesday as crowds gathered on rooftops, in narrow open drains and on compound walls.

They waited eagerly for B.S. Yeddyurappa to open Gangotri as a public museum, an opportunity to witness the homecoming of the grand old lady of the Kirana Gharana, the 96-year-old Gangubai Hangal, with full State honours.

With no sign of the VIPs, and standing under the blazing sky, the enthusiasm started melting and the crowd of adults and children began getting restive. Organisers looked worriedly at the fading flowers and sprinkled water every now and then. What played on with unabated passion was an old recording of Gangubai’s, Mia Ki Malhar khyal, a grand rendition of “Karim Naam Tero”.

At last, the drums resounded in the street corner and the long line of women with poornakumbhas perched on their heads, were seen entering the bylane. When the Chief Minister finally made it to the entrance of Gangotri, there was another roar from the crowd: “Someone bring ajji, where’s she…?” Loving students and her dear ones had to nearly lift her through the thronging crowd. Looking fondly at the Tulsi Katte at the entrance, she stepped in with the Chief Minister.

The museum with its old world charm is laid out beautifully, what with huge life-size portraits that tell a hundred stories. For Gangubai, it was a moment of fulfilment, transporting her back to days of warmth and the loving care of her mother Amba Bai. This was the house that was frequented by her friend Mansur and poet Bendre, and most importantly Ustad Abdul Karim Khan saab, who had predicted a bright future for the little Gangu.

“Are you happy amma?” the Chief Minister asked. “Yes,” she said with folded hands. The VIPs left and the crowd dispersed. What was left playing was her deeply contemplative rendition of Ahir Bhairav. For Shukravar Pet, it was a new lease of life, musically.