The Gujarati music and film industry has lost one of its most towering figures. Veteran music composer, arranger, and singer Gaurang Vyas, whose melodies shaped generations of Gujarati cinema, passed away in Ahmedabad on Wednesday night. He was 87.
Carrying the massive legacy of his father, the legendary Padma Shri awardee Avinash Vyas, Gaurang Vyas carved out his own distinct and unparalleled identity in Gujarati folk, light music, and film compositions. His demise marks the end of an extraordinary musical era, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt across Gujarat and the wider Indian music landscape.
Following the news of his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his profound grief and pay tribute to the late maestro.
PM Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to a “Talented Creator”
On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt condolence message on X (formerly Twitter) alongside a photograph of himself with the veteran composer. PM Modi honored Vyas’s immense contribution to the cultural fabric of Gujarat.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Gaurang Vyas, a renowned musician in the Gujarati music world. Carrying forward the rich musical tradition of his father Avinash Vyas, he had carved out a unique place for himself in the field of Gujarati music,” PM Modi wrote in his post.
The Prime Minister emphasized the magnitude of the loss for the state, adding, “His demise leaves Gujarat feeling the loss of a talented creator. His invaluable contribution to the Gujarati music scene will always be remembered. Prayers for the peace of the departed soul, and condolences to the bereaved family members and his vast legion of fans… Om Shanti…!!”
ગુજરાતી સંગીતજગતના જાણીતા સંગીતકાર શ્રી ગૌરાંગ વ્યાસના અવસાનથી અત્યંત દુઃખ થયું.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2026
પિતા અવિનાશ વ્યાસની સમૃદ્ધ સંગીત પરંપરાને આગળ ધપાવી તેમણે ગુજરાતી સંગીતના ક્ષેત્રમાં પોતાનું આગવું સ્થાન બનાવ્યું હતું. તેમના અવસાનથી ગુજરાતે એક પ્રતિભાશાળી સર્જકને ગુમાવ્યાની લાગણી થાય છે. ગુજરાતી… pic.twitter.com/2Hb6PcRqqD
A Musical Journey Spanning Decades
Gaurang Vyas began his illustrious career by assisting his father on the classic film Jesal Toral. He soon stepped out of his father’s formidable shadow, making his debut as an independent music director with Lakho Phulani.
Over his decades-long career, Vyas composed music for more than 100 films. His vast discography includes critically acclaimed and culturally significant films such as Ketan Mehta’s iconic Bhavni Bhavai, as well as Maniyaro, Nasibni Balihari, Parki Thapan, Liludi Dharati, and Maiyarman Mandu Nathi Lagtu.
He was instrumental in bringing legendary national voices to Gujarati cinema. Vyas had the rare distinction of working with some of the greatest playback singers in Indian history, including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, Suman Kalyanpur, and Bhupinder Singh, alongside regional stalwarts like Prafull Dave.
Some of his most memorable tracks, such as ‘Maniyaro Te Halu Halu Thai Re Viyo’ and ‘Hu Tu Tu Tu, Jami Ramatni Rutu’, remain beloved anthems across Gujarat today.
A Legacy of Devotional and Folk Music
Beyond cinema, Gaurang Vyas contributed extensively to Gujarat’s devotional and folk music space. He released numerous highly successful albums, including Jalaramni Jhumpdi, Bhajan Anmol, Ganga Satina Bhajano, Kahat Kabir, Prachin Prabhatiyan, and various non-stop Dandiya-Raas collections that remain staples during the Navratri festival.
His genius did not go unrecognized. Vyas was the recipient of around 11 state-level Best Music Direction awards throughout his career. In 2022, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. More recently, in 2024, he received special recognition from the Gujarat State Music Academy and Gujarat Tourism for his lifelong dedication to elevating Gujarati music.
As fans, musicians, and leaders mourn his passing, Gaurang Vyas’s melodies will undoubtedly continue to echo in the hearts of music lovers for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Gaurang Vyas?
Gaurang Vyas was a highly acclaimed and veteran Gujarati music composer, arranger, and singer. He composed music for over 100 films and numerous devotional and folk albums, significantly shaping the landscape of Gujarati music.
At what age did Gaurang Vyas pass away?
Gaurang Vyas passed away at the age of 87 in Ahmedabad.
Who was Gaurang Vyas’s father?
He was the son of the legendary Gujarati music composer and Padma Shri awardee Avinash Vyas.
What are some of Gaurang Vyas’s notable works?
He composed music for iconic Gujarati films like Bhavni Bhavai, Maniyaro, and Liludi Dharati. He also worked with legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Asha Bhosle.
What did PM Narendra Modi say about Gaurang Vyas?
PM Narendra Modi mourned his death on X, stating that Gujarat had lost a “talented creator.” He praised Vyas for successfully carrying forward his father’s musical legacy while carving out his own unique place in the Gujarati music world.
