Prabhoo Khelawan.
Image: Supplied
PRABHOO Khelawan, a cherished figure in South African Indian music, passed away at 71, leaving behind a legacy of joy and celebration at countless Hindu weddings.
He passed away in the hospital on Saturday following kidney-related health complications. He was 71.
For decades, Khelawan was a familiar and cherished presence at Hindu weddings across the country.
His rhythmic beats on the dholak and tabla helped create unforgettable memories for thousands of bridal couples as they made their grand entrance during traditional wedding ceremonies.
His nephew, Neil Khelawan, also in the music industry, said his uncle played music from 1960 to 2022.
“He was inspired by his father, Khelawan Ramdharie, a renowned musician. My uncle became a percussionist, specifically playing the dholak and tabla, and performed with numerous bands, including the popular Raaz and Party. He was musically-inclined from very early in life.”
Together with his brother, Pravesh Khelawan, Prabhoo Khelawan became synonymous with the traditional Hindu wedding entrance known as Russom Chowki.
The duo travelled extensively, performing at hundreds of weddings throughout South Africa and becoming an integral part of countless families' special celebrations.
“Together with my dad, Pravesh, they performed hundreds of traditional Hindu wedding entrances across the country."
The brothers, through Pravesh Khelawan Music Productions, earned widespread admiration for their ability to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration through their music.
Their performances became a hallmark of many Hindu wedding ceremonies, with their distinctive melodies and festive beats leaving a lasting impression on brides, grooms and guests alike.
“Many people were in awe and appreciative of the melodious and festive beats that Prabhoo played. Numerous couples have expressed their appreciation and mentioned the wedding entrance as one of the highlights of their special day.”
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Khelawan was remembered as a deeply caring family man.
He was married to Reshma and was the father of three children: Sunil, Aarthi and Ashveer.
The late Khelawan brothers. Left: Pravesh Khelawan who passed away in 2020 and Prabhoo Khelawan.
Image: Supplied
Neil recalled his uncle's unwavering dedication to his family, particularly during difficult times.
“He was a loving family man and devotedly took care of his son Sunil, and later his wife, for many years when they experienced severe ailments and sadly passed away,” he said.
Those who knew him described Khelawan as gentle, humble and quick-witted, with an infectious passion for both music and family.
“Prabhoo was a gentle, humble man with a witty mind who was passionate about his music and family. He will be remembered fondly and deeply missed by all those he was associated with."
Music remained at the heart of Khelawan's life until the end, and his natural affinity for the art form, coupled with the joy of performing alongside his brother, continued to inspire him throughout the years.
His influence also extended to the next generation of musicians in the family.
Neil, a sound engineer, DJ and wedding entrance percussionist, credits both his uncle and father for shaping his own musical journey.
“As a musician, the natural affinity and passion for music was what kept motivating him, together with playing music alongside his brother. I was inspired by both him and my late father. I am a sound engineer and DJ, and I also play the dhol and snare drum for wedding entrances.”
Neil's father passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, making the loss of his uncle particularly emotional.