Pandit Tulsidas Borkar passes away in Mumbai

PONDA: Goan harmonium maestro Tulsidas Borkar passed away in Mumbai after a brief illness on Saturday morning. He was 84.
Borkar was a noted harmonium exponent and his death has left a big void in the world of music.The government of India also felicitated him with the Padma Shri in the 2016.
Borkar was admitted to the Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, for treatment of his ailment where he breathed his last at 10.20am on Saturday.His mortal remains were cremated at the Hindu crematorium in Goregaon, Mumbai, in the evening.
Born on November 18, 1934, in Borim village in Ponda taluka, Borkar established his name in the world of music. Borkar was known for playing solo harmonium and his styles of playing included Hindustani rag sangeet and allied forms. Borkar developed a love for harmonium ever since he was a child and he took his initial lessons from his mother. Later, he received professional training. “He had a personal harmonium and he used to accompany others,” says his nephew Yoganand Borkar of Borim.
He even learned violin for three years. His keen interest in music further motivated him to continue his journey, never restricting himself to one accompaniment. Borkar passed it on to the young harmonium players, who emerged as well-known soloists.
He was even a recognized organ player for musicals in Marathi theatre and people. He attended several music festivals abroad, in India and as well as in Goa, and was treated with immense respect wherever he went.