The Flavour of Agra – Pt.Arun Kashalkar

Pandit Arun Kashalkar is a very well known name in hindustani music circle. For more than 3 decades, Arunji has mesmerized audiences with his scintillating performances.

Initiated into the field of Indian classical music by his father, the renowned musicologist and teacher Pt.N.D.Kashalkar , Pandit Arun Kashalkar later received traiining from Pt.Rajabhau Kogje and Pt.Ram Marathe.

Then stalwart vocalist and violinist of Gwalior, Jaipur and Agra gharanas, Pt.Gajananrao Joshi guided Arun Kashalkar for several years.

The renowned vocalist of Agra gharana, Pt.Babanrao Haldankar also taught Kashalkarji and helped shape his Agra gharana gayaki. Steeped in traditional ‘Guru-Shishya’ parampara, rigorous riyaz and introspection, Kashalkarji’s gayaki is a blend of Gwalior, Jaipur and Agra styles, with emphasis on the lively and rhythm-oriented style of the Agra gharana. His concerts are known for the essense of this Gharana which is ‘nomtom’, ‘bols’, ‘taans’ of great force and boundless creativity. He also composes his own ‘bandishes’ under the pseudonym of ‘Rasdaas’.

He has earned his ‘Sangeetacharya’ from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharv mahavidyalaya mandal, for his research on the Bandishes of Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan Saheb of Agra Gharana. He has also guided several others in their quest for similar doctorate honours. He was connected with the Kala Academy in Panjim, Goa as a Director for Indian classical Music in the late 90’s.

An ‘A’ grade artist on Akashwani (All India Radio), a regular performer on Doordarshan (Television) and featured on National programmes, naturally he has performed in all prestigious festivals and Sabhas.

Kashalkarji’s musical career spans more than 3 decades of hectic schedule of concerts, lecture demonstrations and grooming students in the field of music.