Ahmedabad, September 3 (TNA) Veteran Gujarati music composer, arranger and singer Gaurang Vyas, a towering figure in Gujarati film, folk and light music, died in Ahmedabad late on Wednesday night at the age of 87, prompting tributes from political leaders, artists and music lovers across the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the condolences, describing Vyas as a renowned musician who carried forward the rich musical tradition of his father, Padma Shri Avinash Vyas, and carved out a unique place for himself in Gujarati music.
Born on November 24, 1938, in Mumbai, Gaurang Vyas began his film career as an assistant to his father on the classic Gujarati film Jesal Toral before stepping out as an independent music director with Lakho Phulani. Over a career spanning several decades, he composed music for more than 100 Gujarati films, including Ketan Mehta’s landmark Bhavni Bhavai, as well as titles such as Maniyaro, Nasibni Balihari, Parki Thapan, Liludi Dharati and Maiyarman Mandu Nathi Lagtu.
His melodies, sung by legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, Suman Kalyanpur, Bhupinder Singh and Prafull Dave, became part of the cultural memory of Gujarat, with songs like “Maniyaro Te Halu Halu Thai Re Viyo” and “Hu Tu Tu Tu, Jami Ramatni Rutu” remaining popular across generations.
Beyond cinema, Vyas was deeply associated with Gujarati folk and sugam sangeet (light music), releasing several devotional and folk albums including Jalaramni Jhumpdi, Bhajan Anmol, Ganga Satina Bhajano, Kahat Kabir, Jalaram Bapanu Halaradu, Prachin Prabhatiyan and Non-Stop Dandiya-Raas.
In recognition of his contribution to Gujarati cinema and music, he received around 11 state-level Best Music Direction awards, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in 2022, and was specially felicitated by the Gujarat State Music Academy and Gujarat Tourism in 2024.
In recognition of his contribution to Gujarati cinema and music, he received around 11 state-level Best Music Direction awards, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in 2022, and was specially felicitated by the Gujarat State Music Academy and Gujarat Tourism in 2024.
Vyas, who was married to Naynaben since 1967 and based in Ahmedabad’s Ambawadi area, passed away following age-related health issues, his family said. His last rites were scheduled to begin from his residence at Morena Apartments, Hirabag Crossing, with the funeral procession set to leave at 11:30 am on Thursday, as the Gujarati music community mourned the loss of one of its most influential composers.