PANAJI: Renowned Goan pakhawaj player, businessman and senior citizen Radhakrishna “Radha” Shetye passed away on Monday, at his daughter’s residence in Malad, Mumbai. He was 93.
Known as a devoted follower of Lord Damodar, the presiding deity of Vasco, Shetye was a major force behind the preservation and promotion of Manohari Bhajan and Warkari Dindi traditions in Goa.
A recipient of the Directorate of Art and Culture’s Music (Bhajan) Award for 2014–15, Shetye earned acclaim for his powerful pakhawaj performances alongside leading bhajan artists across the State.
Born in 1933, Shetye inherited a rich legacy of Warkari Bhajan, devotion to Lord Damodar and social service from his father, late Vishwanath Shetye. Over the years, he made significant contributions to Goa’s cultural, spiritual and musical traditions.
His home in Vasco remained a meeting place for musicians, artists and young learners. He guided several aspiring pakhawaj players free of cost, many of whom went on to become accomplished artists.
Shetye shared close associations with several legends of Indian classical music and hosted eminent artistes including Yogi Jagannathbuwa Borikar, Pt. Manoharbuwa Shirgaonkar, Pt. Appasaheb Deshpande and Vishwanath Dhumal.
He was also associated with icons such as Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Pt Jitendra Abhisheki, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt Appa Jogalekar and Pt Vasantrao Deshpande.
For nearly five to six decades, music lovers at the Shri Damodar Bhajani Saptah in Vasco witnessed his memorable pakhawaj performances, which became a defining part of Goa’s bhajan tradition.
