Prabha Atre did not originally play to pursue a musical career. But aged eight, her mother was ill and took a friend’s suggestion to take classical singing lessons to help her feel better. The young Prabha was inspired by overhearing the lessons, and studied with Kirana gharana gurus including Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Badodekar. She also credits Amir Khan and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan with influencing her gayaki. She has received degrees in both science and law, and earned a PhD in the use of sargam in Indian classical. Now in her 80s, she continues to captivate audiences with a refined style, covering ragas, khayal, tarana, thumri, ghazal, and bhajan.