anindita paul theguide@ mid- day. com Heu2019s a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, has inspired countless aspiring musicians to follow in his hallowed footsteps and even has a planet named after him. But if thereu2019s one word that can accurately describe the legendary vocalist Pandit Jasraj, it would be u2018 unstoppableu2019. The maestro who recently celebrated his 90th birthday is currently in Pune, having completed a whirlwind multi- city tour of commemorative concerts and celebrations.

Ask him about the font of his incredible energy and joie- de- vivre, and pat comes the answer, u201c Music.u201d Prod a little deeper and youu2019ll soon realise that thereu2019s also an incredible lifestyle of discipline and meticulousness that enables him to do what he does, so well. His daughter, Durga Jasraj, shares that for as long as she can remember, Panditji has oriented his entire life with the single goal of ensuring that his audience leaves the venue completely satisfied with his performance. She says, u201c For him, health is an enabler to his art. It lets him consistently put forth his best as an artist. In fact, I remember Ashaji [ Bhonsle] remarking that unlike most gavaiyyas who are also khavaiyyas [ gourmands], Panditji is very frugal in terms of his dietary habits.u201d Soul food Panditji is a strict vegetarian.