Madhura Pandit Jasraj, the beloved wife of the late Pandit Jasraj and mother to Durga Jasraj and Shaarang Dev, passed away in the early hours of September 25, 2024. Her daughter, Durga, confirmed that Madhura had been unwell for the past month and expressed profound sorrow over her mother’s demise. “Her contribution has been immense, both in her own right and in documenting and restoring the legacy of both her father, Dr.V. Shantaram, and my father, Pandit Jasraj ji,” Durga said in a statement.
She emphasized that Madhura had “single-handedly written, conceived, and directed a documentary on V. Shantaram,” which received several accolades.
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Madhura was not just known for her familial ties but also for her significant contributions to the arts. As the daughter of renowned filmmaker Dr. V. Shantaram and sister to Kiran Shantaram, she grew up in an environment rich with artistic influence. She married Pandit Jasraj in 1962, and together they nurtured a family deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of India.
Madhura’s artistic endeavors included directing plays and writing biographies. Notably, she authored a biography on her husband, Pandit Jasraj, capturing his illustrious career as a classical vocalist associated with the Mewati gharana. Her work extended beyond literature; she directed films such as Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj (2009) and Aai Tuza Ashirwad (2010), where she collaborated with prominent artists like Lata Mangeshkar.
Madhura played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Indian classical music. Her dedication to documenting her husband’s legacy was evident in her efforts to create comprehensive narratives around their contributions to music. Durga highlighted that Madhura’s work was instrumental in ensuring that the legacies of both her father and husband were not only remembered but celebrated.
The last rites for Madhura Pandit Jasraj are scheduled to take place at Oshiwara Crematorium between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM on September 25, 2024.