Who among the following is the first vocalist to receive the Bharat Ratna in 2008 and is also credited to have popularised 'Khyal Gayaki'?

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1. Identify the Bharat Ratna recipient: Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2008, becoming the (classical) vocalist honored that year.

2. Link to Khyal gayaki: Bhimsen Joshi was a leading exponent of the Kirana gharana and is widely credited with popularising the Khyal gayaki style through his powerful, emotive khayal renditions and mass appeal.

3. Eliminate others: Begum Akhtar (ghazal/ghazal-classical singer) and Gangubai Hangal (classical vocalist) did not receive the Bharat Ratna in 2008; Vishnu Digambar Paluskar helped popularise Hindustani classical music historically but was not the 2008 Bharat Ratna vocalist.

Therefore the correct choice is option (a): Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

FINAL_ANSWER: a

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