Legendary classical singer Prabha Atre who was an exponent of the Kirana Gharana, among the most prominent lineages of classical music in India, passed away in Pune on Saturday. The singer was 91. She developed breathing issues, following which she was rushed to a private hospital on Satuday morning. 

Several disciples flocked to Atre’s Gurukul upon hearing the news of the doyen’s passing away. She was from the Kirana gharana, but had designed her own unique style.
Disciple Arati Thakur-Kundalkar said, “Her death was out of the blue. There were no health concerns. She was to perform at the Ranga Prabha Hridayesh Sangeet festival next week in Vile Parle, Mumbai. On Friday night, she discussed with us about the types of raga and bandish she would sing. I later went home. She was to travel to Mumbai on Saturday and we were planning to reach there a day later.”
Atre was supposed to give the last performance at the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav in December 2023, but she was indisposed due to a fracture that had resurfaced. She was extremely disappointed then, said her disciples. 

Veteran classical singer Prabha Atre passed away at her residence at the age of 91 years following a cardiac arrest at 3.45am on Saturday. In the wee hours, Atre complained of uneasiness and collapsed even before she could sit in a vehicle to go to the hospital.