Arun Date's son Atul, relatives at the cremation yesterday

My uncle was a pioneer of Marathi bhavgeet. He started off as a ghazal singer, but in the '60s, was encouraged to sing in Marathi for the All India Radio. At the time, non-film music was only heard on the radio. His first bhavgeet, Shukratara Mand Vara, became a rage. He introduced a fresh and young wave to romantic Marathi songs. He was among the few Marathi artistes to have innumerable non-film hits, including, Haat Tuzha Haataat, Ya Janmavar Ya Jagnyavar and Sur Maagu Tula Mi Kasa, among others. Most Maharashtrians have his lyrics memorised. People were crazy about his music.