Pune: Well-known musician and director of the historic "Prabhat Brass Band," Gajanan alias Shekhar Moreshwar Solapurkar, passed away on Saturday (October 5) at the age of 64 following a heart attack.

Solapurkar, who was involved in the band for an impressive 56 years, leaves behind a legacy deeply rooted in music. His two sons, Ninad and Prashant Solapurkar, both musicians, and his wife survive him. Shekhar Solapurkar was the son of the late Bandopant Solapurkar, who founded the Prabhat Brass Band.

Shekhar's contribution to the musical world was immense, particularly in the realm of band performances. His mastery in playing the clarinet, the synthesizer, and the harmonium earned him great respect in musical circles.

He received formal education in harmonium from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and later honed his skills in clarinet playing under the guidance of his father. His expertise extended to devotional, patriotic, and classical music, as well as popular film songs. Shekhar also briefly worked as a music arranger for Ram Kinkar at the Pune Film Institute.

For over five decades, Shekhar Solapurkar played an integral role in Pune's Ganesh festivities, particularly in the processions of the famous Shri Kasba Ganpati and Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati.

His performances were also a regular feature in the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, where he played in front of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi. Throughout his career, he mentored numerous musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the city's musical heritage.