Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Prabhakar Karekar has passed away in Mumbai following a brief illness. He was 80.

• Karekar breathed his last at his residence in Shivaji Park area here on Wednesday night, his family said in a statement.
• Born in Goa, Karekar was known for his renditions like "Bolava Vithal Pahava Vithal" and "Vakratund Mahakay".
• He was admired as an outstanding vocalist and a very good teacher.
• He was a graded artist on the All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan.
• Karekar was trained under Pandit Suresh Haldankar, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki and Pandit CR Vyas.
• He had received several honours, including the Tansen Samman, Sangeet Natak Akademi award and Gomant Vibhushan award.