January 24, 2011 (Sampurn Wire): Veteran vocalist in the Hindustani classical music tradition Pandit Bhimsen Joshi breathed his last this morning at 8:00 am at the Sayadari hospital in Pune today. The Bharat Ratna winner musician was admitted to the hospital on December 31 following general weakness and ailments related to old-age.

The legendary vocalist was on life support system for last few days. The doctors at Sayadari hospital tried their best to treat him but they are not very confident about his recovery as his lungs and kidney stopped working. He was put on ventilator immediately. His condition declined in the last four days.

Media persons are not allowed to enter inside the hospital where his body is still resting in peace. Few days back, there was a sign of improvement in his condition but again it deteriorated. He suffered severe diarrhoea and had to keep on respiratory support for almost one weak. After few days, the ventilator was withdrawn but it had to be reinstated after two days.

In 2008, Panditji received the highest civilian award of the country Bharat Ratna. He belonged to the Kirana Gharana and was well known for the khayal form of singing. He also gained popularity for singing devotional music like bhajans and abhangs.

He was supposed to complete 89 years this February 4. We offer heartfelt condolences to the family of the late musician and wish his soul rests in peace.

--Sampurn Wire