* A national loss: PM

PUNE: Illustrious Classical musician and winner of the highest civilian honour, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, is no more. He passed away on Monday morning in Pune due to a combination of kidney failure and age-related illnesses like general weakness, and respiratory problems, in Pune's Sahyadri Hospital, where he was on life-support systems. He was 89.

From a  homeless waif who in 1931 at age 11 had fled home driven by the intense desire to learn Hindustani classical singing, to receiving the nation's highest civilian honour of the Bharat Ratna in 2008, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi epitomized vocal brilliance in the world of Hindustani Classical Music, also receiving accolades like the Sangit Kalanidhi, and founding the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival. The masses indentified strongly with him especially due to the anthem of national unity and integration on Doordarshan, Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.

Calling Pandit Bhimsen Joshi's demise a national loss, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said in a condolence message, I am sad to learn about the passing away of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. It is a national loss. Millions and millions of music lovers all over the world enjoyed and will continue to enjoy his music genius."

Popular playback singer Alka Yagnik said, It would be out of place for me to speak about Panditji. All I can say is, India has lost a a national treasure. It is a very sad day  indeed. He was such a great singer, and he created immortal music. I just wish that somehow, such great people could themselves become immortal – it is terrible to know that Panditji is no more. But his music will cast its magical spell forever....

Playback singer Sadhna Sargam said, This is tragic news! We have lost a great, illustrious singer who has inspired everyone associated with music and has given us all the purest and best form of entertainment through his brilliant singing. This is shocking news for the world of classical music....