Pandit Bhimsen Joshi critical in Pune hospital

PUNE - Eminent Hindustani classical vocalist and Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s condition is “grim” in a hospital here, his physician said Saturday.

“He is on a ventilator and requires periodic dialysis. He is critical, but there has been no further deterioration in his health in the past 12 hours,” Atul Joshi, his consulting physician since over a decade, told IANS.

Pandit Joshi, who would be 88 on Feb 4, was rushed to the Sahyadri Hospital Dec 31 following old-age related ailments and general weakness, his physician Joshi said.

Panditji continues to remain in the intensive care unit of the hospital and is being treated for ailments related to the upper respiratory tract, kidney and intestines, he said.

His daughter Shubhada Mulgund told media persons that her father’s health was a matter of concern as he was not responding to medical treatment.

Pandit Joshi was conferred Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, in 2008.