Neela Bhagwat, a long-time associate of Sahmat, passed away on April 14 after a prolonged illness. She was a renowned exponent of the Gwalior Gharana, known not only for her deep connect with that tradition but also for her ability to innovate. Bhagwat closely engaged with the world around her, and this was reflected in her reinterpretation of many texts, especially thumri bandishes, when she presented them as expressive of the feminine voice. 

It was due to her constant involvement with contemporary times and the changing social discourse that she joined many other eminent artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, intellectuals and others in protests, in the wake of the assassination of Safdar Hashmi. She was one of the signatories to the statement by ‘Artists Against Communalism’, issued by Sahmat on Safdar’s third death anniversary, which spoke up against the growing intolerance in India and stated in unambiguous terms, “The artists’ community in India is deeply concerned about the rise of communalism, which they feel threatens the country’s values of secularism and cultural pluralism that have historically been upheld in artistic endeavour.” Neela Bhagwat, along with a large number of artists, performed at the night-long ‘Artists Against Communalism’ concert held at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, on 14^TH March 1993. She continued to be associated with Sahmat over more than three decades.

Sahmat salutes the memory of Neela Bhagwat, whose contribution to the preservation and development of our cultural heritage will continue to live through her many disciples. She will continue to inspire generations through her body of work and her lifelong commitment to defending and expanding our inclusive cultural traditions.