Pt Joshi a gentle guru, skillful driver

Pune, Jan 24 (PTI) Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was not only alegendary vocalist but also an ace driver, who knew the rhythmof his cars.

Reminiscing the late vocalist''s passion for car driving,Bharat Jadhav, who had given accompaniment to him on table forabout 800 performances, said he used to cover the distancebetween Pune and Hubli in just six hours with supreme ease atthe wheel.

"Once while driving in ghat section, the fan belt of ourcar became faulty. We were worried as there was no mechanicavailable in the vicinity. Panditji quietly came out of thecar, got himself under it and did the repairs work using theinstrument which he always carried in the dickey. He used tonotice even the slightest aberration in the suspension andrhythm of the number of vehicles which drove," he added.

Despite undergoing the rigours of traditional "riyaz"under the strict supervision of his guru, Sawai Gandharva, whoonce threw a nut-cracker at him for missing on a note, PanditJoshi himself was very gentle and understanding with his owndisciples who learned the "kirana" gharana "gayki" from him.

Recounting his guru''s style of teaching classical music,Anand Bhate, one of Bhimsen''s renowned disciples said, "Henever lost his temper while teaching us. He was always gentleand loving and full of affection towards us." PTI HBJVKV