Veteran Hindustani classical singer Pandit Bhimsen Joshi died today due to prolonged illness. He was 88 years old. He was admitted to private hospital in Pune on 31st December following old age related ailments. The news of his death has shocked the music fraternity in the country. Born on 4th February 1922 at Gadag in north Karnataka, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had made his mark over six decades in the field of Hindustani Classical Vocalist. He was disciple of famous Kirana Gharana. His mastary over ‘Khayal’ form of singing, as well as devotional music like ‘Bhajans’ and 'Abhangs’ have recived widest popularity. At the age 11 years Panditji left home in search of a Guru to learn music. He had travlled many places; finally in 1936 Pandit Rambhau Kundgolkar alias Sawai Gandharva agreed to be his guru. Bhimsen Joshi stayed at his house in Dharwad in the traditional ‘Guru-Shishya’ tradition. Another renowned vocalist from the Kirana Gharana, Gangubai Hangal, was a co-student of Bhimsen during this time. Panditji continued his training with Sawai Gandharva till 1940. Pt. Joshi moved to Mumbai in 1943 and worked as a Radio Artist. He first performed live at the age 19. His debut album, containing a few devotional songs in Kannada and Hindi, was released by HMV when he was 22. Other than Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Pt. Joshi had been influenced by many musicians, including Smt. Kesarbai Kerkar, Begum Akhtar and Ustad Amir Khan. Bhimsen's music had beenhailed by both the critics and the masses. Some of Pt. Joshi's more popular Raags included Shuddha Kalyan, Miyan Ki Todi, Puriya Dhanashri, Multani, Bhimpalas, Darbari, and Ramkali. In devotional music, Pt. Joshi was most acclaimed for his Kannada, Hindi and Marathi Bhajan singing. He had sung for many films including ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ music video. He was recipient of sevaral prestigious awards which included Padma Shree, Sangeet Natak Akademay Award, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. In 2008 he was awarded with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.Pt. Joshi had started the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival in Pune as homage to his guru, Pt. Sawai Gandharva in 1953. This festival has become not only a cultural event for the city, but an annual pilgrimage for Hindustani Classical Music lovers all over the world now.