Pune: The music and theatre community mourns the loss of Rahul Ghorpade, a prominent composer and singer, who passed away at 66 after a brief illness.

Ghorpade, a versatile artist with a career spanning over four decades, excelled in theatre, cinema, television, and stage productions. He was the grandson of Babasaheb Ghorpade, former editor of Sakal, and the son of Chandrakant Ghorpade, former editor of Kesari. His funeral was held at Vaikunth Crematorium on Sunday (January 12) morning, attended by luminaries from the performing arts.

A Multifaceted Career

Rahul Ghorpade was revered for his melodious voice and innovative musical compositions, which often combined poignant poetry with experimental techniques. He made significant contributions to the world of music as a singer, composer, and producer. His compositions were voiced by legendary artists, including Asha Bhosle, Suresh Wadkar, Ravindra Sathe, Anuradha Marathe, and Mukund Phansalkar.

Notable Works

Ghorpade composed the music for Dr. Madhavi Vaidya’s Marathi film Agnidivya and contributed to notable theatrical works such as Sunila Parname Shalela Chalali Hoti, Sootak, Padchhaya (based on Sahir Ludhianvi’s poetry), Nandanvan, Dambhadvipcha Mukabala, and Raja Edipus. He also worked on the television series Kavi Shabdanche Ishwar and musical programs like Gani Bahinabaichi.

Under his own banner Swar Saurabh, Ghorpade produced and performed in critically acclaimed programs such as Banat Jambhulbanat, Gani Mangeshkaranchi, and He Swapnanche Pakshi. His performances were celebrated for their emotional depth and artistic excellence.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ghorpade composed music for numerous radio and television commercials, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His innovative approach to blending music and poetry continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.