Ironically, her last performance on stage also was here, in 2007, when her disciples wanted to celebrate her 95th birthday in a grand manner.
Gangubai Hangal had fond memories of Belgaum, where she made her stage debut.
She thrilled freedom fighters during the Congress session by rendering Vande Mataram on December 27, 1924.
Gangubai’s disciples said they wanted her 95th birthday to be a great event; they even convinced her to perform on stage. She rendered a chota khayal, and the audiences were stunned by the nonegenarian’s performance.
Published 21 July 2009, 17:58 IST