Shahir Krishnarao Sable

Biography

Krishnarao Ganpatrao Sable, popularly known as Shahir Sable (3 September 1923 – 20 March 2015), was a Marathi language folk artist from Maharashtra, India. He was an accomplished singer, playwright, performer and folk theatre (Loknatya) producer & director. He was awarded with Padma Shri – India's fourth highest civilian honour, in 1998 for his contribution in the field of arts.

Early life

Shahir Sable was born in a small village called Pasarni, in the Wai taluka of district Satara to Ganpatrao Sable in 1923. He learned to play the flute in childhood. After finishing his primary schooling in Pasarni, he moved to his maternal uncle's place in Amalner, Jalgaon, where he studied till 7th grade and soon left school. At Amalner, he became close to Sane Guruji and spent time with Sane Guruji during the freedom struggle. With his shahiri, he started contributing to the struggle. He also started "Jagruti Shahir Mandal" during that time.

Famous works

Maharashtrachi Lokadhara (Folk dances of Maharashtra) – Maharashtrachi Lokadhara had performed all over India as a renowned troupe formed by Shahir Sable showcasing all native dance forms of Maharashtra. He gave rebirth to some of the old traditions of folk like Lavani, Balyanruttya, Kolinruttya, Gondhalinruttya, Manglagaur, Vaghyamurali, Vasudeo, Dhangar etc.

Noted Songs

Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha
Vinchu Chavla
Adhi Ganala Rani Aan Na
Are Krishna Are Kanha
Athshe Khidkya Navshe Daara
Hay Pavlay Dev Majha Malhari
Jezurichya Khanderaya
Navra Nako Ga Bai
Run Zun Vaajantri
Sahyadricha Sinha Garjato
Ved Lagale
Ya Go Dandyavarna Boltoy
Malharavaari
Ya Vithucha Gajar Harinamacha

Noted Plays

Andhala Daltay – Shahir Sable staged this farcical play highlighting the sorry plight of the Marathi speaking residents of Mumbai. The lore has it that the play was so impactful that it led to the formation of the Shivsena, a political party safeguarding the rights of the native Marathi populace.

Family

Notable family members of Shahir Sable -

Bhanumati Sable (Wife) - first wife of Shahir Sable and a poet. Many of his famous songs were written by her.
Devdatta Sable (Son) - Marathi music composer.
Shivadarshan Sable (Grandson) - film director and producer.
Charusheela Vachani (Daughter) - Marathi actress
Ajit Vachani (Son-in-law) - husband of Charusheela Sable and famous Indian film and television actor.
Yohana Vachani (Grand Daughter) - actress and dancer.
Trishala Vachani (Grand Daughter)
Vasundhara Sable (Daughter) - Marathi writer.
Omkar Mangesh Datt (Grandson) - Marathi screenwriter.
Yugesha Omkar (Grand daughter-in-law) - Costume designer.
Yashodhara Shinde (Daughter)
Kedar Shinde(Grandson) - famous film director and writer.
Sana Kedar Shinde (Great-Grand Daughter) - Marathi actress.
Radhabai Sable - second wife of Shahir Sable.

Awards and recognition

1984: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
1988: Shahir Amar Sheikh Puraskar
1990: President, 70th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Sammelan, Mumbai
1990: President, Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Shahir Parishad, Mumbai
1990: Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar
1994: Sant Namdev Puraskar
1997: Satara Bhushan Puraskar
1997: Shahir Patthe Bapurao Puraskar
1997: Maharashtra Rajya Gaurav Puraskar
1998: Padma Shri (India's fourth highest civilian honour) for his contribution in the field of arts.
2001: Best Singer Award from Maharashtra State Government
2002: P Sawlaram Puraskar
2002: Shahir Pharande Puraskar
2005: Maharashra Bhushan award by Maharashtra Times
2006: Maharashtra Ratna puraskar
2010: Zee Chitra Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award
2012: Lokshahir Vittal Umap Mrudgandh Lifetime Achievement award

Death

He died at his residence in Mumbai on 20 March 2015 at the age of 91, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Legacy

Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha, originally sung by Shahir Sable, is widely used and played in the official functions of Maharashtra Government. It was declared as the official song of Maharashtra state in 2023.
Maharashtrachi Lokadhara was later adapted into TV format by his grandson Kedar Shinde. The show aired on Zee Marathi.
Many of the songs composed by him (including Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha, Are Krishna Are Kanha, Malharavaari) were later adapted by many contemporary artists for Marathi films.
A biographical film, Maharashtra Shahir, based on his life and times was released on 28 April 2023. It is directed by his grandson and noted film director, Kedar Shinde. The character of Shahir Sable is portrayed by Ankush Chaudhari. The film also stars his great-granddaughter, Sana Kedar Shinde, in the role of Bhanumati Sable.