Death Anniversary of Pandit Samta Prashadji || Gudai Maharaj #shorts
Channel: Recitation of Tabla
Date: 31/05/2021

Pandit Samta Prasad
The name itself needs no introduction. One of the few revolutionary tabla maestros of the last century. The first-ever tabla "rockstar" of the Indian classical music industry, none other than Pandit Samta Prasad alias Gudai Maharaj was born on 18th July 1920. His initial training was started by his father Pt. Hari Sundar Mishra (Bacha Maharaj) but due to his very early demise, his training broke down. His mother was the only head of the family left who took over the responsibilities of essential needs of her children. She used to struggle day tonight for a very little amount of money but still, she kept inspiring his sons i.e; Samta prasad and Kamta prasad (Sudhai Maharaj) to stay determined and keep doing the intense riyaz at the toughest ground.
Very soon as a teenager, Samta prasad went under the guidance of Pandit Vikramaditya Mishra (Bikku ji) who was one of the finest disciples of Pt. Baldev Sahai ji and a true master of that era. Though Samta prasad still faced a lot of struggle while learning but as it is said dedication and hard work leads anybody to a height from where the glow and fragrance of an artist can't be hidden....
Samta Prasad ji was 21 when Kishan Maharaj heard him for the first time, in his own words "Tabla in Gudai Ji's hands seemed like a fish trapped in an eagle's claws" such a vigorous and masculine control on his instrument enriched with dynamics and an unseen aspect of sound was really a new and exclusive style in that era which certainly used to amaze everyone.
Very soon a time came when none of the music festivals were perfect without the participation of Samta prasad's tabla. Especially his tabla solos got extremely popularized not only between music connoisseurs but also amongst the nonmusical mass of the country. His several concerts with Ustad Vilayat khan are still remembered. Legends say that a lot of classical musicians superstitiously believed that if Samta prasad accompanies them for 7 concerts in a row they would become stars as well. Such repute and stardom as a tabla player were truly rare those days. He got countless awards and designations including the "Padmashree" and "Padmabhushan"
He got blessed by five sons i.e; Kumar Lal Mishra (tabla), Kailash Mishra (tabla), Shiv Shankar (not in music), Ravi Shankar (sitar), and Gouri Shankar (tabla) along with two daughters.
He certainly ruled the Indian music world through his tabla for all of his life and in the end, he played his last concert in Pune on 31st may 1994 and passed away the same night at age of 74. No doubt his name and music is going to stay immortal forever until tabla would exist on this planet..............