Anjanibai Malpekar

Anjanibai Malpekar was one of the most respected figures in Hindustani classical music and a leading exponent of the Bhendibazaar gharana. Born on 22 April 1883 in Pernem, Goa, she came from a family deeply connected with music. Her mother, Nabubai, grandmother Gujabai, and grandfather Vasudev Malpekar were all associated with musical traditions, which gave her a strong cultural and artistic foundation from an early age. Growing up in a musical household helped shape her future as one of the finest classical vocalists of her era. She began formal training in music at a young age under Ustad Nazeer Khan of the Bhendibazaar gharana, a respected school of Hindustani classical singing known for its emphasis on voice control, melodic beauty, and intricate note patterns. 

Anjanibai Malpekar made her public debut in Bombay in 1899 when she was only sixteen years old. During that period, women from respectable families rarely performed on public stages, yet she overcame social barriers and built a successful musical career. Her performances quickly gained attention because of her expressive singing, refined technique, and graceful stage presence. She became one of the leading female artists of her time and earned admiration from both music lovers and royal patrons. Her singing style reflected the unique qualities of the Bhendibazaar gharana, which focused on breath control, smooth melodic flow, and detailed sargam passages. She was particularly admired for her command over meend, the smooth glide between musical notes, which added depth and emotional richness to her performances. 

Apart from her musical brilliance, Anjanibai Malpekar was also celebrated for her beauty. She became a muse for famous Indian painters such as Raja Ravi Varma and M. V. Dhurandhar. Raja Ravi Varma created several paintings inspired by her, including works such as Lady Playing Swarbat, Mohini, and The Heartbroken. These paintings not only highlighted her elegance but also made her a recognizable cultural figure beyond the world of music. However, the attention she received sometimes brought unwanted public scrutiny, which affected her confidence in performing. At one point, she temporarily lost her voice due to emotional stress and fear associated with public appearances, though she later recovered and continued singing. 

After the death of her guru Ustad Nazeer Khan in 1920, Anjanibai gradually withdrew from public concerts. By 1923, she decided to retire from stage performances and dedicate herself entirely to teaching music. Her later years were devoted to training disciples who would carry forward her musical knowledge. Among her most notable students were Kumar Gandharva, Kishori Amonkar, Begum Akhtar, and Naina Devi. Through her teaching, she played a major role in preserving and spreading the traditions of Hindustani classical music. 

In 1958, Anjanibai Malpekar achieved a historic milestone when she became the first woman to receive the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor given by India’s National Academy for Music, Dance, and Drama. This award recognized her immense contribution to Indian classical music and her influence as both a performer and teacher. She passed away on 7 August 1974 in Bombay at the age of ninety-one. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering female vocalist whose artistry, dedication, and teaching left a lasting mark on Hindustani classical music.