Ganesh Balawant Nawathe, known as Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, was born on September 21, 1929, in Mangeshi, Goa. He was a vocalist, composer, and scholar of Indian classical music. His father introduced him to Hindustani classical music, and he later trained under Jagannathbua Purohit, Azmat Hussain Khan, and Gullubhai Jasdanwala. Abhisheki's career began with a degree in Sanskrit literature and work at All India Radio (AIR) in Mumbai. He composed pieces for radio programs and received a government scholarship to study under Azmat Hussain Khan. His notable works include compositions for plays like Lekurachi Hoshiyari and movies such as Jait Re Jait (1977). Abhisheki's music for Marathi natyasangeet, including songs like "Guntatá Hrdáya Hai", gained significant popularity. He passed away on November 7, 1998, in Pune. His legacy includes the annual Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki Mahotsav and awards such as the Padma Shri (1988) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1989).
