Govindrao Tembe

Who was Govindrao Tembe?

Govind Rao Govind Sadashiv Tembe, popularly known as Govindrao Tembe was a harmonium player, stage actor, and music composer.

Narayan Sitaram Phadke had called Govindrao Tembe the architect of Marathi Natya Sangeet. Bal Gandharva considered Tembe his guru.

He grew up in Kolhapur and became attached to music early in life. He was largely self-taught as harmonium player. He has acknowledged the debt of Deval Club for his initial forays into Hindustani classical music.

Tembe learnt his art from Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale and, although he never received direct tuition from Alladiya Khan of Jaipur Gharana, Tembe considered Khansaheb as his guru.

He used to accompany the legendary singer Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, and would often perform solo, but later gave up harmonium for the most part.

He composed music for the drama Manapman in 1910, and also for the first Marathi talkie Ayodhyecha Raja. He also acted in both these productions. His musical score of Manapman remains popular till the date.

He was part-owner of Gandharva Natak Mandali when it was formed in 1913. Two years later, he started his own company named Shivraj Natak Mandali. He wrote dramas and also the padas in them.