Legendary music composer, arranger and singer Gaurang Vyas, one of the most prominent figures in Gujarati film, folk and light music, passed away in Ahmedabad late at night at the age of 87.
Born in Mumbai on November 24, 1938, Vyas, son of Padma Shri awardee Avinash Vyas, developed a distinctive and experimental musical style that left a lasting mark on Gujarati music. His death has left the worlds of art, literature and culture mourning the end of a golden era.
Final journey to begin from Ambawadi
Vyas, who married Nayanaben in Ahmedabad in 1967, will be taken on his final journey from his residence at Morena Apartment near Hirabaug Crossing in Ambawadi at 11:30 a.m. Artists, singers, producers and music lovers have paid emotional tributes to the veteran musician.
Despite being the son of renowned composer Avinash Vyas, he carved out an independent identity and musical legacy of his own.
Music became his passion from childhood
Born into a musically rich family, Vyas began playing ‘Vaishnav Jan’ on the harmonium when he was just five.
He later completed a diploma in mechanical engineering and worked with a reputed engineering company in Mumbai. However, his passion for music eventually led him to leave his job and dedicate his life to music.
Started as his father’s assistant
Vyas entered the film industry as an assistant to his father, Avinash Vyas, in Jesal Toral. He established himself as an independent music director with Lakho Phulani.
Over his career, he composed music for more than 100 films, including Ketan Mehta’s internationally acclaimed Bhavni Bhavai, along with Maniyaro, Nasibni Balihari, Parki Thapan, Liludi Dharati and Maiyarman Mandu Nathi Lagtu.
Worked with some of India’s finest singers
Vyas played a major role in bringing leading playback singers to Gujarati cinema. His composition ‘Dikri To Parki Thapan’ in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice became an emotional favourite and continues to move audiences during farewell ceremonies.
He also worked with Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, Suman Kalyanpur, Bhupinder Singh and Prafull Dave on memorable songs including ‘Maniyaro Te Halu Halu Thai Re Viyo’ and ‘Hu Tu Tu Tu, Jami Ramatni Rutu’.
Composed more than 500 sugam sangeet pieces
According to the Gujarati Vishwakosh, Vyas composed more than 500 pieces in sugam sangeet apart from his film work. He created popular garbas such as ‘Lakh Lakh Divda’ and ‘Ghor Andhari Re Rataladima’, as well as devotional compositions including ‘Tu Rangai Jaane Rangma’.
His notable albums included Jalaramni Jhumpdi, Bhajan Anmol, Ganga Satina Bhajano, Kahat Kabir, Jalaram Bapanu Halaradu, Prachin Prabhatiyan and Non-Stop Dandiya-Raas.
Honoured with several awards
Vyas received around 11 state-level Best Music Direction awards for Gujarati films and a Golden Award from GIFA.
In 2022, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2024, he was also specially honoured by the Gujarat State Music Academy and Gujarat Tourism for his contribution to music.
