Gujarati Music Legend Gaurang Vyas Dies at 87

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat’s musical landscape has lost one of its most distinctive voices. Veteran composer, singer and arranger Gaurang Vyas died in Ahmedabad late Wednesday night at the age of 87, bringing to an end a remarkable chapter in Gujarati film music, Sugam Sangeet and folk music.

Born in Mumbai on November 24, 1938, Vyas was the son of legendary composer Avinash Vyas, but carved out an identity of his own through an experimental musical style and memorable compositions. His death has left the state’s artistic and cultural fraternity mourning the loss of a golden-era musician.

Singer Prafulla Dave recalled Vyas’ contribution to his career, saying, “Gaurangbhai has a huge contribution in making me Prafulla Dave.” He remembered how Vyas’ compositions helped bring their work to audiences worldwide.

Veteran singer Shyamal Munshi described Vyas as a “powerful, versatile and genius composer” whose contribution would remain unforgettable. “As long as people continue to listen to Gujarati music, Gaurangbhai’s name will never be forgotten,” he said.

Singer Sanjay Ojha said Vyas’ contribution extended across films, soft music, bhajans, garba and ghazals. He credited the musician with helping establish Ahmedabad and Gujarat as an important centre for music recording beyond Mumbai.

Poet Ankit Trivedi described Vyas’ passing as the end of a golden era, calling him a major successor to the musical tradition established by Avinash Vyas.

Vyas began musical training in childhood and reportedly played Vaishnav Jan To on the harmonium at five. Though trained in mechanical engineering, he eventually devoted himself entirely to music. He worked with Purushottam Upadhyay on the Gujarati film Liludi Dharti and shared the Best Music Composer award.

His associations with legendary singers including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey and Suman Kalyanpur further enriched his legacy.

With Vyas’ final farewell, Gujarat has lost a musician whose melodies are expected to keep his memory alive for generations.