Veteran Gujarati Musician Gaurang Vyas Passes Away

Ahmedabad: Renown Gujarati musician and veteran singer Gaurang Vyas has passed away in Ahmedabad. He was 88.

He was the son of celebrated composer and Padma Shri awardee Avinash Vyas. Despite growing up under the influence of one of Gujarati music’s most recognised names, he developed a distinct musical identity through an experimental and individualistic style.

Vyas, who married Nayanaben in Ahmedabad in 1967, will be taken for his final journey from his residence at Morena Apartment near Hirabaug Crossing in Ambawadi at 11:30 am.

Vyas was introduced to music at an early age. At just five, he could play ‘Vaishnav Jan’ on the harmonium.

However, his early career did not begin in music. He completed a diploma in mechanical engineering and worked with a reputed engineering company in Mumbai. His enduring passion for music eventually prompted him to leave the profession and pursue a full-time career in the arts.

Vyas entered Gujarati cinema as an assistant to his father, Avinash Vyas, working as assistant on Jesal Toral. He subsequently established himself as an independent music director with Lakho Phulani(it was first film of actress Rita Bhaduri, and first Gujarati song of Kishor Kumar was sung in this movie. Not just that Praful Dave has also sung first song in this movie.)

Over the course of his career, he composed music for more than 100 films. His body of work included Ketan Mehta’s internationally acclaimed Bhavni Bhavai, as well as films such as Maniyaro, Nasibni Balihari, Parki Thapan, Liludi Dharati and Maiyarman Mandu Nathi Lagtu.

One of Vyas’ major contributions was bringing some of India’s leading playback singers into Gujarati cinema.

His composition ‘Dikri To Parki Thapan’, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, became an enduring emotional favourite and continues to be played at farewell ceremonies.

He also collaborated with celebrated singers including Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, Suman Kalyanpur, Bhupinder Singh and Prafull Dave.

Among his memorable compositions were ‘Maniyaro Te Halu Halu Thai Re Viyo’ and ‘Hu Tu Tu Tu, Jami Ramatni Rutu’.

Vyas’ contribution extended well beyond cinema. According to the Gujarati Vishwakosh, he composed more than 500 pieces of sugam sangeet.

He also created popular garbas and gave music, including ‘Lakh Lakh Divda’ and ‘Ghor Andhari Re Rataladima’, besides devotional compositions such as ‘Tu Rangai Jaane Rangma’, Hu to gai ti Mele, Madi tara mandirya Ghantarav, Piyu maro lilo lajamani no chhod, Ame Maniyara Gokul Gam na…

His some of famous songs are ‘Amdavad no Riskshawwalo, Garam Masaledar Khatimithi Vangi, Sanvariyo, Patan Shaher ni Nar Padamani.

Avinashbhai’s composition were sung by Lata mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishorkumar, Mannade, Mukesh, Mahendra Kapoor and Jagjit Singh among other renown singers.

Paying tribute to him, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet stated – We are deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Gaurang Vyas, a renowned musician in the Gujarati music world. Carrying forward the rich musical tradition of his father Avinash Vyas, he had carved out a unique place for himself in the field of Gujarati music. His demise leaves Gujarat feeling the loss of a talented creator. His invaluable contribution to the Gujarati music scene will always be remembered. Prayers for the peace of the departed soul, and condolences to the bereaved family members and his vast legion of fans… Om Shanti…!!