Mysuru: Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and revered guru Pandit Indudhar Nirody, who made a significant contribution to the growth of Hindustani music in Mysuru, passed away in Panvel, Maharashtra, on Sept. 22 following a brief illness. He was 91.
A recipient of the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Pandit Nirody was regarded as one of the senior-most exponents of the Agra Gharana. His death marks the loss of a respected musician, teacher and mentor whose association with Mysuru helped strengthen the city’s Hindustani classical music tradition.
Born on July 11, 1935, Pandit Nirody began his musical journey at a young age. He received training from several distinguished musicians, including Pandit K.G. Ginde, Pandit S.C.R. Bhatt, Pandit Chidanand Nagarkar and Pandit Dinkar Kaikini. His association with these stalwarts shaped his approach to Hindustani classical music and helped him develop a style rooted firmly in tradition.
A distinguished career in Hindustani music
Pandit Nirody was particularly known for his command over Khayal singing and his association with the Agra Gharana. He was also proficient in Dhrupad-Dhamar and Thumri and regularly presented concerts and lecture-demonstrations on different aspects of Hindustani music.
Before dedicating himself completely to music and teaching, he served with the Life Insurance Corporation of India. After retiring from LIC, he devoted his time to music, performing extensively and passing on his knowledge to a new generation of students. He was also a top-grade artiste of All India Radio and continued to be associated with AIR and Doordarshan.
His contributions were recognised with several honours during his long career. These included the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2014. In 2015, Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University in Mysuru conferred an Honorary Doctorate on him. He was also a recipient of the Savai Gandharva National Puraskar and other honours for his contribution to Hindustani music.
Deep association with Mysuru
Pandit Nirody moved to Mysuru around 2002 and lived in Kuvempunagar and Saraswathipuram. He remained closely associated with the city’s music community and became an important figure in its Hindustani classical music circuit.
His contribution went beyond performing on stage. As a guru, he trained numerous students and shared his knowledge through concerts, teaching sessions and lecture-demonstrations. Among his prominent disciples are Vidushi V. Aditi Kaikini, Pandit Vyasamurthy Katti, Pandit Veerabhadraiah Hiremath and Dr. M.S. Bhaskar.
Over the years, his presence at music organisations and sabhas in Mysuru helped connect established Hindustani traditions with younger musicians. Earlier profiles of the vocalist described him as a respected senior teacher who remained committed to sharing his extensive knowledge with students and music enthusiasts.
Completed a remarkable musical project
One of Pandit Nirody’s most notable achievements came during his eighties. He completed the monumental task of rendering and recording all 1,896 compositions contained in Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande’s Kramik Pustak Malika.
The undertaking reflected his lifelong dedication to Hindustani classical music and his determination to preserve and present a vast body of musical knowledge. The achievement added another important chapter to his already distinguished career.
His approach to music was deeply rooted in discipline and tradition. Through his performances and teaching, he emphasised the finer aspects of Raagdari Sangeet and remained committed to preserving the classical character of the music.
A legacy carried forward by students
For Pandit Nirody, teaching was an important part of his musical life. Following his retirement from LIC, he devoted himself increasingly to training students and remained accessible to learners and fellow musicians.
His students have gone on to establish themselves in the field, carrying forward the musical traditions they learnt from him. His influence therefore extended beyond his own performances, with his teachings becoming part of the musical journeys of several artistes.
Pandit Nirody lived in Mysuru until 2024. During his more than two decades in the city, he earned the affection and respect of music lovers and played a role in strengthening the roots of Hindustani classical music in Mysuru.
A documentary on his life and music, made jointly by Dr. Manohar and Ranjit Sethu, also documents aspects of his musical journey and contribution.
Music fraternity mourns the loss
The passing of Pandit Indudhar Nirody brings an end to the life of a musician who dedicated several decades to Hindustani classical music, both as a performer and teacher.
He is survived by his wife, Padmavathi Nirody. He also leaves behind numerous students, admirers and music lovers who were influenced by his work.
For Mysuru’s classical music community, his legacy will live on through the students he trained, the recordings he created and the traditions he helped preserve.