Vidushi Shobha Gurtu - Khamaj Thumri

The late 'Thumri Queen' Shobha Gurtu is known for the' Abhinaya Ang ' of thumri sung in her full throated voice. Shobha Gurtu nee Bhanumati Shirodkar , born in Belgaum was trained by her mother Menakabai Shirodkar, a professional dancer and 'gayaki' disciple of Ustad Alladiya Khan of the Jaipur Atrauli gharana. Shobhaji's formal training began with Ustad Bhurji Khan , the youngest son of Ustad Alladiya Khan. Later she learnt from Ustad Natthan Khan, the nephew of Ustad Alladiya Khan. Though she really came into her own under the tutelage of Ustad Ghamman Khan. She was particularly influenced by Begum Akhtar and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.Vrindaban