Snehal Bhatkar (real name Vasudev Gangaram Bhatkar; 17 July 1919–29 May 2007), was a well known Hindi and Marathi film music composer from Mumbai, India.

Awards and recognition

edit

He is the recipient of Lata Mangeshkar Award instituted by Government of Maharashtra of year 2004.[1][2]

Early life

edit

Snehal Bhatkar was born on 17 July 1919 in Mumbai in a Marathi-speaking family. His father died when he was 18 months old. His mother was a teacher and was a singer as well. So she became his inspiration to pursue music. It was from her that he picked up the basics of music. After completing matriculation or 10th grade in school, he learned music at a music school in Dadar, Mumbai.[2]

Pseudonym

edit

To avoid any breach in contract while officially working for His Master's Voice, he adopted various pseudonyms as a composer. These included "B. Vasudev" and "Snehal" but another choice, "Snehal Bhatkar", became his professional name after 1950.[2] The name was derived from that of his then newly born daughter, Snehlata.[3][4]

Career

edit

Snehal Bhatkar was first employed by His Master's Voice (HMV) record company in the 1940s, when the company was releasing many non-film Marathi language records.[2]

He started his Hindi language movie career with the movie Neel Kamal (1947 film) in the year 1947. Bhatkar and lyricist Kidar Nath Sharma had shared a special bond, teaming up for hit songs like Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein Yuun Hamari Yaad Aayegi (Hamari Yaad Aayegi) (1961 film) which may be regarded as the zenith of Bhatkar's career.[2]

Personal life

edit

His three children include noted Marathi actor Ramesh Bhatkar, Avinash Bhatkar and daughter Snehlata Bhatkar (now married to Ramkrishna Barde).[2]

Death

edit

Snehal Bhatkar died on 29 May 2007 at the age of 87 years at his Mumbai residence.[2]

Music Director

edit
edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Jayamala wins award". The Times of India. Pune. 21 August 2006. Archived from the original on 9 August 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Snehal Bhatkar profile and filmography". Cinemaazi.com website. Archived from the original on 29 May 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Geeta Dutt – Musical Association with Snehal Bhatkar". Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  4. ^ "Snehal Bhatkar – Profile". Cineplot.com website. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2025.