MUMBAI: Gangubai Hangal, the Kirana Gharana exponent was one of the most respected musicians in the classical musicians fraternity. Under the guidance of Savai Gandharva, she mastered her art and carved a niche for herself despite the various hardships she faced. Being one of the first women musicians of her time, it wasn't easy, believes musician and noted musicologist Dr Ashok Ranade. "Gangubhai was a person of heroic stature, she has struggled to become a musician. During her times, the association of women with music was not highly respected.. and she had to fight on two fronts - one, to become a musician and to establish women in the field of music.... her contribution in the field of music can hardly be matched," Ranade adds      

Among the musicians, be it Kirana Gharana, or any other gharana, she still is one of the most respected musicians, feels tabla prodigy Satyajit Talwalkar. "I got the oppurtunity to meet her some months back, and I feel extremely fortunate to have watched these musicians perform live ... I think, with the passing of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan this year, and now Gangubai Hangal, an entire era of classical music is over," says the son of ace tabla meastro Pt Suresh Talwalkar.

Veteran classical singer Pt Ajay Pohankar's association with Gangubai Hangal is more than five decades old. He says, "I know her from the time I was as young as 10 years. I was introduced to her by Ustad Aamir Khan Saab. We all used to lovingly call her 'Akka'. After hearing the news of her death I felt as if I had lost my own mother," He adds. Recalling her down to earth and easy going nature, Pohankar recalls, "As a person, she was very saint-like, anybody could go and meet her if they felt like, she would ensure that people visiting her home were taken good care."

Like all the acclaimed musicians from the classical music, fans too believe it was spell binding to watch her perform. The story goes that her guru Savai Gandharva would make her practise for long hours and would not teach further untel she mastered what he taught. Gangubai Hangal would often cry in frustration, and there were other hardships too in her musical journey. In her life time, Hangal was honoured with awards like Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Award (1962), Padma Bhushan (1971), Padma Vibhushan (2002), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1973). Although Gangubai had grown very old, she remained and will continue to be an inspiration for many upcoming singers.