Here are 9 famous musicians from India died at 68:
Poornachandra Tejaswi (September 8, 1938 Kuppalli-April 5, 2007 Mudigere) also known as Kuppali Puttappa Poornachandra Tejaswi, K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi or Poochante was an Indian farmer, writer and novelist. He had two children, Susmitha Tejaswi and Eshanye Tejaswi.
Tejaswi was born in the small village of Kuppalli in Karnataka. He was the eldest son of renowned Kannada poet and writer Kuvempu. Tejaswi was interested in literature from an early age and was heavily influenced by his father's work. Despite this, he pursued a degree in science and worked as a soil conservation officer for the government for many years.
Tejaswi became well-known in the literary world for his unique style of writing that combined his love for nature with his scientific knowledge. He wrote over 20 novels, many of which were infused with environmental themes and the struggles of farmers. Some of his most famous works include "Karnatakada Siri Sampige", "Jugari Cross", and "Chidambara Rahasya".
Apart from his writing, Tejaswi was also known for his activism in the field of conservation. He was involved in various movements to protect wildlife and natural resources in Karnataka. His contributions in this field were recognized when he was bestowed with the Rajyotsava Award in 1995 by the government of Karnataka.
Tejaswi's legacy as a writer and conservationist continues to inspire many people today. His novels have been translated into various languages and continue to be widely read across India.
In addition to his literary and conservation work, Poornachandra Tejaswi was also a talented musician and painter. He was skilled in playing the flute, harmonica, and guitar, and often accompanied himself while singing. Tejaswi was also a self-taught painter and held a few exhibitions of his works. He was known for his intricate and detailed paintings of nature, which reflected his deep love and knowledge of the natural world. Tejaswi was a multifaceted personality who had a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and science. His contributions to literature, conservation, music, and art make him a remarkable figure in the cultural history of Karnataka. His writings continue to inspire and educate people on ecological and environmental issues, making him an icon of the environmental movement in India.
During his lifetime, Poornachandra Tejaswi was widely recognized for his contributions to literature, conservation, and art. In addition to his Rajyotsava Award, he also received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1987 for his novel, "Chidambara Rahasya". Tejaswi was heavily involved in the Chipko movement, a nonviolent movement in Uttarakhand state in India that advocated for the protection of forests. He was a strong advocate of sustainable development and believed in the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
Tejaswi was also a prolific translator, having translated works from Kannada, Hindi, English, and other languages into Kannada. He was particularly interested in translating works that focused on environmental issues and the struggles of marginalized communities. His translations helped bring greater visibility and awareness to these issues among Kannada-speaking audiences.
Beyond his literary and conservation work, Tejaswi was a beloved figure in Karnataka's cultural scene. He frequently participated in literary and cultural events, and was known for his wit and sense of humor. He was also an avid traveler and often wrote about his experiences in his books and articles.
Poornachandra Tejaswi's legacy as a writer, conservationist, musician, painter, and cultural icon continues to inspire people in Karnataka and beyond. His commitment to sustainability and environmental justice remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.
He died caused by cardiovascular disease.
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Ismail Merchant (December 25, 1936 Mumbai-May 25, 2005 City of Westminster) also known as Ismail Noormohamed Abdul Rehman was an Indian film director, film producer, actor, author and screenwriter.
He is best known for his collaboration with director James Ivory, with whom he formed a production company called Merchant Ivory Productions. Together, they produced several critically acclaimed films such as "A Room with a View", "Howards End", "The Remains of the Day", and "The Bostonians". Merchant received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career and was recognized for his contribution to the film industry. In addition to his work in film, he also authored books and played minor roles in a few of his productions. He passed away in London at the age of 68 due to complications following abdominal surgery.
Merchant was born in Mumbai, India and started his career in the film industry as a production assistant in Indian cinema. In the 1960s, he met director James Ivory and the two formed a personal and professional partnership that would last for over four decades. Merchant was known for his astute business sense and was instrumental in securing funding for their film projects. Their films often explored themes of cultural clashes and relationships between people from different backgrounds.
Merchant received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 2002. He also served on the board of the National Film Development Corporation of India and was a member of the advisory board for the Asian Film Festival.
Aside from his work in the film industry, Merchant was a philanthropist and supported various causes, including education and health care. He also authored several books, including a biography of the Indian film director Satyajit Ray.
Merchant's legacy continues to influence the film industry, and his contribution to independent and art-house cinema has been widely recognized. In 2015, a documentary about his life and career titled "Merchant Ivory: The Last Moguls" was released.
In addition to his collaborations with James Ivory, Ismail Merchant also worked with other well-known directors such as Roland Joffé, James Gunn, and Fred Schepisi. He produced a diverse range of films that explored various themes, including social issues, historical events, and literary adaptations. Some of his notable productions outside of his collaborations with Ivory include "In Custody" (1994), "The Proprietor" (1996), and "Cotton Mary" (1999).
Merchant was also known for his love of art and collecting. He was a collector of antiques, rare books, and fine art, and his collection included works by artists such as M.F. Husain and Francis Newton Souza. His passion for collecting inspired him to establish the Ismail Merchant Foundation for the Preservation and Restoration of Film, which aimed to restore and preserve classic Indian films.
Merchant's influence on the film industry extended beyond his productions. He mentored and supported young and emerging filmmakers, and his production company became a platform for new talent. He was also a vocal advocate for Indian cinema and worked towards increasing its global recognition.
Despite his success, Merchant faced criticism for his portrayal of India and Indian culture in his films. Many accused him of pandering to Western stereotypes and perpetuating a narrow view of Indian society. However, Merchant defended his films and argued that they presented a nuanced and complex portrayal of cultural interactions.
Overall, Ismail Merchant was a pioneering figure in independent and art-house cinema. His collaborations with James Ivory produced some of the most memorable films of the 20th century, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence filmmakers around the world.
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Bihari Lal (April 5, 1595 Gwalior-April 5, 1663 India) also known as Bihari was an Indian writer and poet.
He is best known for his collection of poetry titled "Satsai", which consists of seven hundred verses written in the "Sakhi" style of Hindi poetry. Bihari lived during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and was known for his wit, humor, and satire. His works have been translated into several languages and are still widely read and appreciated today. Apart from his literary contributions, Bihari also served as a court poet and held important administrative positions in various parts of India. His legacy continues to inspire young poets and writers in the Hindi literary world.
Bihari Lal was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, into a family of scholars and poets. He received his education in Sanskrit and Hindi literature, which helped him in his writing career. Bihari's childhood was filled with stories and songs of the Mughal era, which fueled his love for poetry and literature.
He moved to Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, where he spent most of his life and became a court poet for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Bihari was a prolific writer and wrote several books on various subjects, including religion, politics, and spirituality. His works reflect the social and cultural aspects of his era and provide deep insights into the lives of people during the Mughal period.
Apart from his literary contributions, Bihari was a key figure in the cultural and administrative landscape of India. He served as a governor of several provinces and played a significant role in maintaining law and order in the region. His leadership and administrative abilities earned him respect and admiration from the people he served.
Bihari's works have been translated into many languages and continue to inspire and influence poets and writers worldwide. Today, he is remembered as one of the most significant figures in the world of Hindi literature, and his legacy continues to thrive.
Bihari's poetry is known for its simplicity and elegance. His works are characterized by a unique blend of devotion, humor, and satire, which have made them popular among readers of all ages. His collection of poetry, "Satsai," is considered one of the finest examples of Hindi literature, and has been praised for its literary excellence.
Bihari's writing style was influenced by the Bhakti movement of the time, which emphasized the importance of devotion and love for God. His poems often revolve around themes of love, devotion, and spirituality, and are filled with references to Indian mythology and folklore.
Apart from his literary achievements, Bihari was also known for his philanthropic work. He was a patron of the arts and supported many artists and scholars during his lifetime. He was also a devout follower of the Vaishnava tradition and donated generously to temples and other religious institutions.
Bihari's legacy continues to inspire generations of poets and writers in India and beyond. His contributions to Hindi literature have earned him a place among the greatest poets of all time, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated for their literary and cultural significance.
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Kamini Roy (October 12, 1864 Bengal Presidency-September 27, 1933 Hazaribagh) was an Indian writer.
She was also a women's rights activist and played a pivotal role in the Bengali literary scene during the early 20th century. Kamini Roy was the first woman from British India to graduate with honours in Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calcutta in 1886. She was a gifted writer and wrote extensively on themes such as women empowerment, social discrimination and the need for education for women. Her notable writings include a collection of poems titled "Alo O Chhaya" and a play called "Poter Pothe." Apart from her literary contributions, she actively fought for women's rights and was one of the first Indian women to demand equal pay for equal work. Kamini Roy's contributions to Indian literature and society have earned her a place among the most influential women of the 20th century.
Kamini Roy was born in the Bakerganj district of present-day Bangladesh, and her family later moved to Calcutta. She grew up in a liberal and progressive household, with her father being a lawyer and a Sanskrit scholar who encouraged her education. Kamini Roy was a polyglot, mastering several languages including Bengali, English, Sanskrit, and French. She was one of the first women to join the Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement that aimed to promote rational thinking, social equality, and women's education.
Kamini Roy was a trailblazer for women's education and empowerment, and believed that education was the key to women's progress. She taught at Bethune College, one of the first women's colleges in India, and helped establish the Women's Indian Association in Calcutta in 1917. She also founded the Bharat Stree Mahamandal, an organization that aimed to eliminate gender discrimination and provide opportunities for women's employment.
In addition to her literary and social contributions, Kamini Roy was also an accomplished painter and musician. She had a keen interest in Indian classical music and often performed in public concerts. She was also a member of the Indian Society of Oriental Art, which aimed to revive traditional Indian art forms.
Kamini Roy breathed her last in Hazaribagh, where she had gone to live with her daughter. Her legacy lives on to this day, inspiring generations of women in India to fight for their rights and achieve greater heights in all fields.
Kamini Roy was also an active participant in the Indian independence movement, working alongside leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Annie Besant. In 1913, she joined the Anti-Separation Movement, which opposed the partition of Bengal on religious lines. She also campaigned against the use of British-manufactured goods and supported the Swadeshi movement, which called for the use of Indian-made products. Kamini Roy's activism and contributions to the freedom struggle of India earned her the title of "Bharatiya Nari Mukti Kanya" or "the daughter of India liberating women." Her life and work continue to be celebrated in India, with many institutions and awards named in her honor. In 2021, Google paid tribute to Kamini Roy on her 157th birth anniversary with a doodle featuring her portrait and several of her works.
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Ravi Chopra (September 27, 1946 Mumbai-November 12, 2014) was an Indian film producer, film director, writer and screenwriter.
Son of renowned director Baldev Raj Chopra, Ravi Chopra made his directorial debut with the film "Zameer" in 1975, which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna. He later went on to direct several successful films in the 80s and 90s, including "Baghban" (2003) which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini.
Apart from directing, Ravi Chopra also produced several hit films through his production house, including "Bhoothnath" (2008) and "Baabul" (2006). In 1993, he also directed the hugely popular TV series "Mahabharat" which became an instant hit with audiences across the country.
Ravi Chopra was known for his unique storytelling style and his ability to showcase complex themes in a simple yet effective manner. His contribution to Indian cinema and television has been widely recognized and he is remembered as one of the most successful filmmakers of his time.
Ravi Chopra was born in Mumbai and completed his schooling in Delhi. He later pursued a degree in architecture from the University of Delhi before venturing into the film industry. Along with his brother, B.R. Chopra, Ravi Chopra founded their production company, B.R. Films in 1955, which went on to produce some of the most successful and acclaimed films in Indian cinema.
Ravi Chopra's films often dealt with social issues such as poverty, family relationships, and generational differences. He was particularly known for his ability to portray the complexities of human emotions through his characters. Throughout his career, he worked with some of the biggest stars in Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan.
Apart from his work in the film industry, Ravi Chopra was also actively involved in social work and philanthropy. He established the Ravi and Renu Chopra Foundation which supported causes such as education, healthcare, and women's empowerment.
Ravi Chopra passed away on November 12, 2014, after suffering from a lung ailment for several years. His legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring filmmakers in India.
One of Ravi Chopra's most significant contributions to Indian cinema was his ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern storytelling. He was known for infusing elements of traditional Indian culture and mythology into his films while also exploring contemporary themes and issues. This unique approach made his films relatable to a broad audience while also maintaining their cultural relevance.
In addition to his success in the film industry, Ravi Chopra also received several awards and honors for his contributions. He received the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for "Baghban" in 2003. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pune International Film Festival in 2013.
Despite facing health challenges in his later years, Ravi Chopra remained active in the film industry and continued to work on projects. His dedication to his craft and commitment to social work have helped him leave behind a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.
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Vaman Srinivas Kudva (June 9, 1899 India-June 30, 1967) also known as V S Kudva was an Indian engineer and banker.
Vaman Srinivas Kudva was born in Udupi, India and graduated in civil engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune in 1920. He then went on to complete his postgraduate studies in engineering and economics from the University of Illinois and Harvard University respectively.
Kudva started his career as a professor of engineering at the Banaras Hindu University and then worked as an engineer with the government of Bombay for several years. In 1934, he joined the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) as its first Indian director and became its managing director in 1948.
During his tenure at IFCI, Kudva pioneered the concept of industrial finance in India and played a crucial role in financing several key industries in the country. He was also instrumental in setting up the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) in 1964, which has since played a significant role in the development of India's industrial sector.
Kudva was a recipient of several honours and awards for his contribution to the Indian finance industry. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1964 for his outstanding contribution to the field of banking and finance.
In addition to his work in the finance industry, Vaman Srinivas Kudva also made significant contributions to the field of education. He served as a member of the Senate of Bombay University and as a member of the Executive Council of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He was also a member of the National Education Committee, which played a key role in shaping the education system in India.
Kudva was a strong advocate for economic planning in India and played an active role in various government committees related to finance and economics. He was a member of the Planning Commission's Committee on Industrial Finance and a member of the Reserve Bank of India's Central Board of Directors. He also served as the Chairman of the National Industrial Credit (Long Term Operations) Fund, which was set up to provide long-term credit to Indian industries.
Kudva's contributions to the field of finance and education continue to have a significant impact on the development of India's economy and education system. He is remembered as a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping the country's industrial and financial landscape.
Kudva's impact on the Indian financial industry was immense. Under his leadership, IFCI became the primary institution for providing long-term finance to the Indian industry from its inception in 1948 until the mid-1960s. He also conceptualized the Industrial Development Bank of India, which later became the principal financial institution for providing assistance to medium and long-term projects in India's industrial sector.
Apart from his work in the finance industry, Kudva was a prolific writer and penned several books in both English and Kannada. His books covered topics such as industrial finance, economic development, and Indian philosophy. He was also a renowned scholar of Vedanta and contributed numerous articles on Indian philosophy to various journals.
Vaman Srinivas Kudva’s works have influenced generations of Indian policymakers and business leaders. His contributions to the industrial and financial sectors of India have had a significant impact on the country's economic growth and development. He remains an inspiration for many in the field of finance and education.
He died in cardiac arrest.
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Ganganath Jha (December 25, 1872 Madhubani, India-November 9, 1941 Allahabad) also known as Sir Gaṅgānāth Jhā was an Indian writer and philosopher.
He was known for his expertise in Sanskrit language and literature, and was a renowned scholar and academician. Jha received his education in India and later in England, where he earned a degree from Oxford University. He served as a professor of Sanskrit at several universities in India, including the University of Allahabad and the University of Banaras. Apart from his academic pursuits, Jha was also a prolific writer, and authored several books on Sanskrit language, philosophy, and religion. In recognition of his contributions to the field of Sanskrit studies, he was awarded the title of Knight Bachelor by the British Crown in 1929. Today, Jha is remembered as a towering figure in the field of Sanskrit studies, and his works continue to be studied and valued by scholars around the world.
Ganganath Jha was born into a family of scholars and received his early education from his father who was a renowned scholar of Sanskrit. He showed exceptional talent in Sanskrit from a young age and went on to study at the prestigious Patna College. He later traveled to England to further his education and earned a degree in Sanskrit from the University of Oxford in 1897.
After returning to India, Jha started his career as a professor of Sanskrit at the University of Allahabad. He also served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Allahabad from 1924-25. In addition, he was the first Vice Chancellor of the newly formed Banaras Hindu University.
Apart from his academic achievements, Jha was a prolific writer and authored more than 30 books. His most famous works include "The Nyayapravesa of Dinnaga", "Materials for a History of the Text of the Atharvaveda", and "The Prabodhacandrodaya of Krsnamisra". He was also a member of several academic societies, both in India and abroad, and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1925.
Jha's contributions to the field of Sanskrit studies were recognized with several awards and honors, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, which he was awarded posthumously in 1999. His legacy continues to inspire Sanskrit scholars and students around the world.
Jha was not only a prominent scholar and academician but also a staunch believer in Indian nationalism. He was actively involved in the Indian freedom struggle and was a member of the Congress Party. He believed that a revival of the Indian culture and learning was essential for India's progress and that Sanskrit had a crucial role to play in this revival. He worked tirelessly to popularize Sanskrit among the masses and was passionately committed to the preservation of India's cultural heritage.
In addition to his writings on Sanskrit language and literature, Jha also wrote extensively on philosophy, religion, and culture, and was a proponent of Advaita philosophy. He believed that the ultimate aim of human life was to realize the oneness of the individual self with the universal soul, and that this realization could be attained through the study of philosophy and the practice of meditation.
Despite facing financial difficulties and personal tragedies throughout his life, Jha remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge and scholarship. His dedication and contributions to the field of Sanskrit studies have earned him a place of honor in the annals of Indian history, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of scholars and students to this day.
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J. C. Kumarappa (January 4, 1892 Thanjavur-January 30, 1960) was an Indian economist.
He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and believed in the principles of Swaraj and the decentralization of economic power. Kumarappa was a strong advocate for the use of indigenous and sustainable resources and created the concept of "economy of permanence." He also wrote extensively on rural development and the importance of agriculture in India's economy. In addition to his economic work, he was also a prolific writer on spirituality and philosophy. Kumarappa founded the All India Village Industries Association and served as its president until his death in 1960.
Kumarappa belonged to a family of distinguished scholars and held a doctorate in economics from the University of London. He was the author of several books, including "Swadeshi and Swaraj," "Economy of Permanence," and "The Problem of the Rupee." He was also a founding member of the Society for the Promotion of Village Industries in India. Kumarappa's philosophy of economic decentralization and the use of indigenous resources played a significant role in shaping India's economic policies during the independence movement. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and contributed to the framing of the Indian Constitution. Kumarappa's legacy continues to inspire economists and social activists in India and around the world.
Kumarappa was born into a Tamil Brahmin family in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. His father was a professor of Sanskrit and Tamil and his mother was a descendant of the Maratha royal family. Kumarappa began his education at the prestigious Madras Christian College but was expelled for participating in protests against the British Raj. He later completed his education at the University of London, where he earned a doctorate in economics.
After returning to India, Kumarappa became involved in the Indian independence movement and joined the Indian National Congress. He became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, who saw in him a deep commitment to Indian traditional values and an understanding of the needs of the rural masses. Gandhi referred to Kumarappa as his 'economic advisor.'
Kumarappa's philosophy of an economy based on local resources, sustainable development, and decentralized control became known as the "economy of permanence" and was central to Gandhi's concept of Swaraj or self-rule. Kumarappa helped establish the All India Village Industries Association, which promoted the use of traditional and indigenous technologies to improve rural livelihoods in India.
Apart from his work in economics, Kumarappa was a prolific writer on spirituality and philosophy. He wrote extensively on the need for moral and ethical values in economic and social life and influenced a generation of writers and thinkers in India.
Kumarappa's ideas about economic decentralization and the promotion of local industries had a profound impact on India's economic policies after independence. He was a member of the Planning Commission and contributed to the drafting of India's first five-year plan.
Kumarappa died in 1960, but his legacy continues to inspire social activists and economists in India and around the world. His work remains relevant in today's world, where the need for sustainable development and the protection of indigenous resources is more pressing than ever.
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Vijay Mehra (March 12, 1938 Amritsar-August 25, 2006 Delhi) was an Indian cricketer.
He played as a left-handed batsman and left-arm medium pace bowler. Vijay Mehra represented India in 8 Test matches from 1955 to 1961. He was known for his solid defensive technique and was considered a valuable all-rounder for the Indian cricket team. Mehra played domestic cricket for Delhi and captained the team in the 1962-63 season. After retiring from cricket, he became a successful coach and was known for his meticulous attention to detail. Vijay Mehra was honored with the Arjuna Award in 1965 for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Mehra was born in Amritsar, Punjab and started playing cricket at the age of 12. He made his first-class debut for Delhi at the age of 17 and soon caught the attention of the national selectors. In his Test debut against Pakistan in 1955, he contributed with both bat and ball and helped India to a famous victory. Mehra went on to play a key role in India's historic victory against Australia in 1959, scoring 62 runs in the second innings and taking three wickets in the match. Despite his impressive performances, he struggled with injuries and failed to establish himself as a regular member of the Indian team.
After retiring from cricket, Mehra turned to coaching and guided many young cricketers to success. He was the head coach of Delhi cricket team from 1971 to 1978 and played a key role in developing the likes of Bishan Singh Bedi, Mohinder Amarnath, and Madan Lal. His dedication and hard work towards the development of cricket in India were recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 1997.
Mehra passed away in 2006 due to a heart attack. He will always be remembered as one of India's finest all-rounders who played a pivotal role in India's early successes in international cricket.
In addition to his role as a coach, Vijay Mehra also served as a national selector for the Indian cricket team. He was part of the selection panel that picked the Indian team for the 1983 World Cup, where India famously clinched their first-ever title. Mehra was also a respected commentator and wrote articles for various newspapers and magazines. He was known for his insightful analysis and his love for the game. Apart from cricket, Mehra was also an accomplished artist and loved to paint in his spare time. His paintings were exhibited in various galleries across India. In recognition of his contribution to Indian cricket, the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi named one of its gates after Vijay Mehra.
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