How Hirabai Barodekar Changed the Face of Indian Classical Music

Long before female artists routinely headlined classical concerts, Hirabai Barodekar took the radical step of organising ticketed public programmes. Growing up in a musically rich household, she honed her craft under several gurus and developed a voice that could move listeners to tears. Rather than limiting herself to the khayal form, she excelled in thumri, bhajan and stage music, proving her versatility on every platform. At a time when society frowned upon women performing for paying crowds, she maintained the highest artistic and moral standards, gradually winning public acceptance. Her example inspired countless young women to pursue music professionally. She also ventured into cinema and theatre, appeared in films such as Pratibha and Janabai, and established a music school dedicated to female students. Her crowning moment came when she was invited to sing the national song at the Red Fort on Independence Day. Decorated with the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Hirabai Barodekar passed away in 1989, remembered today as the artist who widened the doors of classical music for everyone.