1. Introduction
Krishnarao Ganesh Phulambrikar (1898–1974), universally celebrated as Master Krishnarao, was a towering figure in Indian classical music, Marathi theatre (Natya Sangeet), and early Indian cinema. Gifted with extraordinary range, he moved effortlessly between rigorous Hindustani khayal gayaki, theatrical stages, and film composition. As a direct disciple of the maestro Pandit Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, Master Krishnarao helped shape the musical landscape of 20th-century Maharashtra, leaving behind a legacy of innovative raga structures, timeless compositions, and dedicated pedagogy.
2. Quick Facts
- Full Name: Krishnarao Ganesh Phulambrikar
- Native Name: कृष्णराव गणेश फुलंब्रीकर
- Date of Birth: January 20, 1898 (some records note 1897)
- Place of Birth: Devachi Alandi, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation/Profession: Classical Vocalist, Music Composer, Actor, Author, and Teacher
- Field of Achievement: Hindustani Classical Music, Marathi Sangeet Natak, and Film Music
- Years Active: 1910s – 1974
3. Award Information (Padma Bhushan)
- Award Name: Padma Bhushan
- Award Category: Civilian Honor (Third Highest)
- Award Year: 1971
- Presented By: Government of India
- Date of Ceremony: 1971 (Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi)
- Citation/Official Reason: For exceptional and distinguished service to the field of arts and music.
4. Why They Received the Award
Master Krishnarao was awarded the Padma Bhushan in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving and advancing Hindustani classical music and enriching Indian culture. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he bridged the gap between traditional art music and popular public media. His creation of complex new ragas (apraachalit and jod ragas), his foundational scores for iconic Marathi theatre companies, his pioneering work in early talkie cinema with Prabhat Film Company, and his commitment to teaching generations of musicians made him a national treasure.
5. Early Life
Born into a Deshastha Brahmin family in Alandi near Pune, his family roots traced back to Phulambri village. His father, Ganeshpant, was a Vedic scholar (Vedamurti). Tragically, his father passed away suddenly when Krishnarao was still a young child, plunging the family into severe financial hardship. Even as a boy, his melodious voice drew attention. His mother and elder brother supported his early inclinations toward the arts, leading him to join the Natyakalapravartak Mandali drama company as a child actor and singer.
6. Education
While studying at Navin Marathi Shala in Pune, Krishnarao’s musical talent caught the eye of legendary mentors. He received early guidance from Sawai Gandharva and Ustad Nisar Hussain Khan. In 1911, he formally became the disciple (shishya) of the great master Pandit Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale under a traditional gandabandhan ceremony. Under Bakhale’s rigorous tutelage spanning over a decade, he mastered the styles of the Gwalior, Agra, and Jaipur gharanas.
7. Career Journey
- Theatrical Success: Between 1915 and 1933, he was a key figure in Bal Gandharva’s Gandharva Sangeet Natak Mandali, acting and scoring music for legendary plays like Menaka, Savitri, and Kanhopatra. Later, he collaborated with Natyaniketan for modern musical dramas like Kulavadhu.
- Film Composer: He transitioned into cinema with the prestigious Prabhat Film Company in the 1930s, composing memorable music for pioneering films like Amar Jyoti (1936), Gopal Krishna (1938), and Mali (1944).
- Academic & Concert Artist: He served as director of the Pune Bharat Gayan Samaj, performed widely across India and abroad (including a government cultural delegation to China in 1953), and authored extensive music notation books.
8. Major Achievements
- Creation of Ragas: Credited with creating three new Hindustani ragas and numerous intricate bandishes (compositions).
- Published Works: Authored the monumental 7-volume musical treatise Raag Samgraha, alongside standardized notations for national, devotional, and children’s music (Rashtra Sangeet, Shishu Sangeet).
- Prolonged Influence: Cultivated an extensive lineage of disciples who became stellar performers in their own right, including Ram Marathe, Saraswati Rane, Jaymala Shiledar, and his daughter Veena Chitko.
9. Contribution to the Nation
Master Krishnarao used his musical medium to stir patriotic sentiment during India’s freedom movement. He composed numerous nationalist songs (Rashtra Sangeet) designed to inspire unity and courage among citizens. His work with Prabhat Film Company helped establish an indigenous, culturally rooted vocabulary for Indian cinema music that resonated with national identity.
10. Other Awards and Honours
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship: The highest honor conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for lifetime achievement in performing arts.
- Sangeet Kalanidhi Title: Conferred upon him in 1930 by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Dr. Kurtkoti.
- Vishnudas Bhave Gold Medal
- Balgandharva Gold Medal
11. Legacy and Influence
Master Krishnarao’s legacy lies in his unique ability to bridge strict classical grammar with emotional accessibility. His school of thought heavily influenced legendary mid-century film and theater composers like Vasant Desai, C. Ramchandra, and Sudhir Phadke. His emphasis on bol-baant (rhythmic play with lyrics), precise gamaks, and joyful buoyancy remains a gold standard in Marathi stage music.
12. Interesting Facts
- The Surname Origin: His ancestral family surname was originally Pathak. His ancestor impressed Peshwa Nanasaheb with flawless Vedic chanting, prompting the ruler to present him with a golden bracelet and declare that the family would henceforth be known as Phulambrikar.
- Child Prodigy: He gave his first independent solo classical concert at the tender age of 13 at the Cummins Club in Dhule.
- Spiritual Meeting: As a young boy, he once met Shirdi Sai Baba, who asked him to recite a Vedic shloka and blessed him.
13. Quotes
“By a systematic training of classical music, this child can become a noted singer.” — Pandit Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale (upon first hearing young Krishnarao)
14. Timeline
- 1898: Born in Devachi Alandi, Maharashtra
- 1911: Gave his first solo public concert at age 13; began formal training under Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale
- 1915–1933: Acted and composed for Gandharva Sangeet Natak Mandali
- 1933–1941: Associated with Prabhat Film Company as a breakthrough music director
- 1953: Traveled to China as an official Government of India cultural delegate
- 1971: Conferred the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India
- 1974: Passed away on October 20 in Pune, Maharashtra
15. References
- Official archival records and biography hosted at masterkrishnarao.com
- Wikipedia entry on Master Krishnarao
- Cinemaazi Archive – Master Krishnarao: Music Director Profile
- Parrikar Music Archive – Hindustani Classical Profiles
16. Related Personalities
- Pandit Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale (Primary Guru)
- Bal Gandharva (Theatrical associate and legend)
- Sawai Gandharva (Early mentor)
- Ram Marathe (Notable disciple)
- V Shantaram (Collaborator in Prabhat Films)
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Master Krishnarao best known for?
A: He is best known as a master vocalist of Hindustani classical music, an innovator of Marathi Natya Sangeet, and a pioneering film music composer who blended classical rigor with popular appeal.
Q: Did Master Krishnarao act in films or plays?
A: Yes. He started his career as a child actor-singer in theatre and later acted in and composed for musical dramas and films, playing the lead role of Sant Savata Mali in the 1944 film Bhakticha Mala.
Q: What gharana did Master Krishnarao belong to?
A: Under Pandit Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, he absorbed the rich styles of the Gwalior, Agra, and Jaipur gharanas.
Q: Which prestigious civilian award did he receive?
A: He received the Padma Bhushan in 1971 from the Government of India.
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