Thaindian News

Kolhapur (Maharashtra), May 3 (IANS) Renowned Marathi poet, lyricist and writer Jagdish Khebudkar passed away in a private hospital here Tuesday following a kidney ailment, an aide said. He was 79.

He is survived a by two sons - Abhang and Muktachand - and two daughters - Kavita and Angai, an aide said.

Decorated with 11 state awards in different categories, Khebudkar had been ill since quite some time, the aide said.

The poet is survived a by two sons, Abhang and Muktachand, and two daughters, Kavita and Angai.

In his career spanning over six decades, Khebudkar penned over 3,750 poems, 2,500 songs for Marathi and Hindi movies, four teleserials for Doordarshan, five telefilms, several plays and other literature.

He started his career in literature and films in the early 1950s and penned his first Marathi song in 1960.

Among his noted songs were for movies like “Pinjra,” and Marathi versions of “Roja” and “Hey Ram” among 325-plus other movies.

Khebudkar worked in tandem with the top names of Marathi film industry like V. Shantaram, Dada Kondke, Bhalji Pendharkar and many others.

The writer had a rare versatility in his poetry. He could pen hymns, bhajans and devotional songs with the same ease as penning raunchy “laavni” songs, love songs or Marathi disco numbers.

Besides writing lyrics, Khebudkar also sang and composed music for some of his songs and wrote what is considered the longest Marathi poem, “Durga Aali Ghara.”

Mourning Khebudkar’s death, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the Marathi film industry has lost a doyen of literature who moved people with his words.

“He was a master at weaving hymns, laavnis, romantic songs, folk numbers, and film lyrics which are still hummed by people. The film industry has been poorer by Khebudkar’s death,” Pawar said in a condolence message.

Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said Khedudkar exploited the beauty of words to convey ideas through his songs and poems.

“The history of Marathi literature and film industry would be incomplete without mentioning the contribution of Khebudkar,” Bhujbal said.

Khebudkar’s death has been condoled by veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar, actor Sachin Pilgaonkar and other prominent personalities of the Marathi film world.

Some of the superhit movies for which Khebudkar penned songs include “Pinjra,” “Saamna,” “Sadhi Mansa,” “Jhunj,” “Susheela,” “Phatakdi,” “Ashthavinayak” and “Uladhal”.

Among the prestigious awards he won included 11 state government awards, the Balgandharva Award and the Kusumagraj Literary Award.

His last rites will be performed at the Panchganga River banks here Wednesday morning.