Kesarbai was born on July 13, 18 90m at Keri in Goa . Kesarbai used to visit the nearby Shanta Durga Temple in the evening where she had the privilege to listen to devotional songs. After coming home, she used to recite all those devotional songs. This was the way Kesarbai cultivated an interest in music.
“I am very fortunate to have heard matured singing. She had very often peoved that she had the capability to produce the miracle of music,” said Rabindranath Tagore .
Later, to complete her education in music, She met the revered court poet of Mysore and Patiala , Baraktulla Khan. She learnt the various details of rag-ragini. She was the only woman disciple of Baraktulla Khan. From 1920 to 1946, she learnt music from Ustad Alladia Khan. She used to say that music should have some meaning, otherwise it is noise. Her last public performance was held in 1968. She died on /September 16, 1977.