Pandit Samta Prasad (20 July 1921 – 31 May 1994), also known as Gudai Maharaj, was a legendary Indian classical tabla maestro from the Benares (Banaras) gharana—one of the most celebrated exponents of the \\\"Poorab baaj\\\" tabla tradition.
Birth: Born in Kabir Chaura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, into a family deeply rooted in the tabla and pakhawaj traditions of the Benares gharana.
Family: Son of Hari Sundar (Bachaa Mishra), grandson of Jagannath Mishra, and descended from Pratap Maharaj (Gudai Maharaj).
Training: Began his tabla education under his father, but after his father’s death when Samta Prasad was just seven, he continued under Bikku Maharaj (disciple of Baldev Sahai).
Debut: First major performance at the Allahabad Sangeet Sammelan in 1942, quickly establishing himself as both a soloist and accompanist.
Performances: Played extensively across India (Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow) and internationally (France, Russia, Edinburgh), representing Indian culture abroad.
Film Contributions: Brought his artistry to Hindi cinema, performing in classics like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, Basant Bahar, Meri Surat Teri Ankhen, Asamapta, and the iconic Sholay. His playing was so valued that S.D. Burman postponed a recording until Samta Prasad could arrive.
Collaborations: Known for his beautiful and unique tonal quality, he performed with luminaries such as Ustad Vilayat Khan and contributed to the global popularity of the tabla.
Padma Shri (1972)
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1979)
President Scholarship (1987)
Padma Bhushan (1991), India’s third-highest civilian honor.
Notable Disciples: Included renowned musicians and composers such as Rahul Dev Burman, Bappi Lahiri, Bhola Prasad Singh, Shashanka Shekhar Bakshi, Nitin Chatterjee, and his son Kumar Lal Mishra.
Influence: Revered for his artistry, passion, and rigorous training, he inspired generations of tabla players and left a lasting mark on both classical and popular music.
Passed away: 31 May 1994 in Pune, while conducting a tabla workshop, leaving a profound impact on the music community.
Pandit Samta Prasad’s mastery, dedication, and innovations have secured his place as one of the greatest tabla exponents of the 20th century, and his legacy continues through his disciples and recordings.
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Pandit Samta Prasad (20 July 1921 – 31 May 1994), also known as Gudai Maharaj, was a legendary Indian classical tabla maestro from the Benares (Banaras) gharana—one of the most celebrated exponents of the \\\"Poorab baaj\\\" tabla tradition. Birth: Born in Kabir Chaura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, into a family deeply rooted in the tabla and pakhawaj traditions of the Benares gharana. Family: Son of Hari Sundar (Bachaa Mishra), grandson of Jagannath Mishra, and descended from Pratap Maharaj (Gudai Maharaj). Training: Began his tabla education under his father, but after his father’s death when Samta Prasad was just seven, he continued under Bikku Maharaj (disciple of Baldev Sahai). Debut: First major performance at the Allahabad Sangeet Sammelan in 1942, quickly establishing himself as both a soloist and accompanist. Performances: Played extensively across India (Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow) and internationally (France, Russia, Edinburgh), representing Indian culture abroad. Film Contributions: Brought his artistry to Hindi cinema, performing in classics like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, Basant Bahar, Meri Surat Teri Ankhen, Asamapta, and the iconic Sholay. His playing was so valued that S.D. Burman postponed a recording until Samta Prasad could arrive. Collaborations: Known for his beautiful and unique tonal quality, he performed with luminaries such as Ustad Vilayat Khan and contributed to the global popularity of the tabla. Padma Shri (1972) Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1979) President Scholarship (1987) Padma Bhushan (1991), India’s third-highest civilian honor. Notable Disciples: Included renowned musicians and composers such as Rahul Dev Burman, Bappi Lahiri, Bhola Prasad Singh, Shashanka Shekhar Bakshi, Nitin Chatterjee, and his son Kumar Lal Mishra. Influence: Revered for his artistry, passion, and rigorous training, he inspired generations of tabla players and left a lasting mark on both classical and popular music. Passed away: 31 May 1994 in Pune, while conducting a tabla workshop, leaving a profound impact on the music community. Pandit Samta Prasad’s mastery, dedication, and innovations have secured his place as one of the greatest tabla exponents of the 20th century, and his legacy continues through his disciples and recordings.