Mauli Takalkar, master of taal, passes away at 99

Pune: Dnyaneshwar Takalkar, eminent Hindustani vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s taal accompanist for four decades, passed away on Sunday in a city hospital after brief illness. He was 99.

Better known as Mauli due to his warkari lineage, Takalkar performed at Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav till last year. He has shared the stage with four generations of singers, starting with the legendary Bal Gandharva.

“We have lost a member of Panditji’s extended family,” Bhimsen’s son Shriniwas said in a press release. Anand Bhate, a disciple of Panditji, said they thought he would celebrate his 100th birthday next April.

“He invented new patterns in taal accompaniment. His devotion to God kept him healthy and stress-free. He also connected well with the younger generation. His enthusiasm and energy were electrifying,” Bhate added.

Takalkar never accepted bouquets and felicitations during the Sawai festival. He would quietly exit the stage before the chief guest could begin felicitations of the other artists.

Born on April 11, 1927, in Pune, Takalkar started his taal recital at Shri Siddheshwar Praasaadik Bhajani Mandal and took lessons from Pandurangbuwa Gujar and Madhavbuwa Sukale in mrudung and pakhawaj, respectively.

Anand Deshmukh, veteran announcer at Sawai festival, said Takalkar’s devotion to God and Bhimsen was complete. “He knew hundreds of ovis, a form of poetry by sants and common folk,” he added.

Veteran compere Sudhir Gadgil, who was with Takalkar for the Santwani programme with Panditji for 25 years, said, “Mauli was always smiling, never complained and did not brag.”