Madhura Pandit Jasraj, wife of the renowned classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj and daughter of legendary filmmaker V Shantaram, passed away recently due to age-related complications. Her passing marks the loss of a multifaceted artist and a key figure in both Indian cinema and music. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences to the family in an official letter addressed to Durga Jasraj, her daughter.
In his heartfelt message, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Madhura Pandit Jasraj’s contributions to the arts and her pivotal role alongside her husband. The letter read, “Respected Durga Jasraj Ji, I have received the news of the passing of your mother, Mrs. Madhura Pandit Jasraj Ji. My heartfelt condolences are with you during this difficult time. Mrs. Madhura Pandit Jasraj Ji, from her childhood, had the opportunity to closely understand and learn the intricacies of films due to her family’s association with the film industry. For this reason, she developed a special fondness for music and films from an early age. As the wife of the great musician, Pandit Jasraj Ji, she was his source of energy. Together with Pandit Jasraj Ji, she directed several documentaries and plays. She later established her own identity as a filmmaker and writer.”
The Prime Minister further addressed the emotional weight of losing a mother, noting, “Losing a mother is one of the most painful moments in life. I can understand the anguish you are going through during this sorrowful time. It is hard to express in words the emptiness and grief that her passing has brought into your life. Mrs. Madhura Pandit Jasraj Ji was a strong pillar of support and inspiration for the family. Although she is no longer physically present in this world, the education and values she imparted will continue to guide and inspire the family. I pray to God to give you and the bereaved family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. May He provide you the fortitude to endure this sorrow. Om Shanti.”
Madhura Pandit Jasraj, born into a family of cinematic pioneers, was the daughter of celebrated filmmaker V Shantaram. In 1962, she married the music maestro Pandit Jasraj, and the two shared a deep artistic bond that manifested in numerous collaborative projects, including documentaries and plays. She is survived by her two children, music director Shaarang Dev Pandit and television personality Durga Jasraj.
Madhura wore many hats throughout her life—director, producer, and writer. One of her most celebrated works includes the biography V Shantaram: The Man Who Changed Indian Cinema, a tribute to her father’s groundbreaking contributions to Indian cinema. In 2010, she made history by becoming the oldest debutant director of a feature film with the Marathi movie Aai Tujha Aashirwad, earning a spot in the Limca Book of Records. The film featured music by her husband, Pandit Jasraj.
Additionally, she directed a biographical short film on Pandit Jasraj, titled Sangeet Martand Jasraj, celebrating his monumental contributions to Hindustani classical music. Pandit Jasraj, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with Madhura’s remarkable artistic journey.
Madhura Pandit Jasraj will be remembered for her artistic achievements and her unwavering dedication to her family’s creative legacies, leaving behind a lasting impact on both the worlds of music and cinema.
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