Aditya will be singing on Maha Ashtami day at the Durga Puja celebrations in Bangalore!

Aditya's next classical music performance will be on Oct 22nd, at the Maha Ashtami (Durga Pujo) celebrations at PBCA, Bangalore .. Details at http://www.pbca.in/events.html .. Everyone's welcome!! :)

Raga Sangama, Bangalore

Sunday 7th Oct 2012 : Aditya performed Hindustani Classical Vocal music at the Raga Sangama event in Bangalore. The event was supported by the Department of Kannada and Culture, Govt. of Karnataka, and showcased as a tribute to late Pt. Fakkiresha Agadi. Chief Guest was tabla maestro Pt. Raghunath Nakod of Dharwar! Aditya was blessed by Pt. Nakod and his wife Vidushi Renuka Nakod! A significant milestone in his singing career

Some Video links (from 2012 only)

With Live Music!

Aditya singing a Meera Bhajan ("Nainana Mein Nandalaala") in Raga Malkauns, at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple near Whitefield Bangalore, as part of the New Year celebrations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd2htkZchqc

Aditya singing at the "Zindagi Ka Safar" Concert (Tribute to Rajesh Khanna), organized by Babloo Mukherjee, at ADA Rangamandira. Song - "Chal Chal Chal Mere Saathi" (from the movie Haathi Mere Saathi, originally sung by Kishore Kumar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYErHEDjgDY

Aditya playing the Pianica at home. Song - "Nadiya Se Dariya" (from the movie Namak Haraam, originally sung by Kishore Kumar, and music by RD Burman)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueyspWsqTbs

Aditya singing along with others, at the 'Surat-e-Kitaab' musical event (organized by Chetan Mamtora). This song was the well known Hindi bhajan "Suraj ki garmi se" (originally sung by the Sharma Bandhu, and used in the movie Parinay)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESg5YeYz9Rg

Aditya singing at the "Soulful Melodies" Concert organized by Babloo Mukherjee at ADA Rangamandira. Song - "Mera Joota Hai Japani" (from the movie Shree 420, originally sung by Mukesh)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLGl8KT4euA

Aditya singing the Marathi Abhang ("Abir Gulal") in Raga Deshkar, and also playing the Harmonium. This was part of a musical Tribute to Late Pt. Puttaraja Gawai, organized by Anjaneya School of Music and the Department of Kannada and Culture, Govt. of Karnataka, at The Indian Institute of World Culture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncuh5BvjXLs

With Recorded Music (Karaoke tracks)

Aditya singing at the "Bolly Magik" Beach Karaoke Nite at Club Cabana (organized by Satyaz). Song - "Tere Mast Mast Do Nain" (from the movie Dabangg, originally sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9LbTOdJWUQ

Aditya singing at the Snehaloka Karaoke Club (SLKC) monthly event. Song - "Yeh Kya Hua" (from the movie Amar Prem, originally sung by Kishore Kumar)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMlNj577K5U

Aditya singing at the Snehaloka Karaoke Club (SLKC) monthly event. Song - "SIDHU" (from the movie Chandni Chowk to China, originally sung by Kailash Kher)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPJPx-wHUJI

Aditya singing at the Snehaloka Karaoke Club (SLKC) monthly event. Song - "Rishte Naate" (from the movie De Dana Dan, originally sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea8RpQhXHwQ

Aditya's Musical Journey - Circa 2012!!

Dear friends, we need all your blessings and encouragement for our little musician, as he prepares to turn 14 later this month, and has some of his most significant concert performances coming up! As some of you might have already guessed, Aditya is completely into music. It's his life! He started on this journey about 5 years ago under the guidance of Pt. Shripad Gaddi, and has been "at it" since then. He's still got a long, long way to go, but he has been singularly fortunate to have come into contact with many 'gurus' and 'guides' in his musical quest! 

From chance encounters with legends of the classical genre like Begum Parveen Sultana, Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab & Ustad Rashid Khan Sahab, to detailed interaction with Bollywood singing legends like Manna Dey ji and Amit Kumar ji, and instrumental kings like the Sodha Brothers (Kishore ji, Raj ji, Rajendra Singh ji), Blasco Monsorate Sir and Franco Vaz Sir; From impromptu "jamming" sessions with Pop icons like Lucky Ali Sir, and Raghu Dixit Project, to 'closer home' mentors like Babloo Mukherjee da, Satyaprakash ji, Janak Madaan ji, Vijay Kumar ji, Sinchan Dixit, Arundhati di & Aloke da, Chetan Mamtora bhai, Zaheer bhai and Pavan bhai ..

And numerous well-wishers like Srikant Narayan ji, Dr. Ajit Deval, Biju Nair, Divya Raghavan, Jayaram Sir, Jaisingh Sir, Irfan bhai , Bharathi Vishnuvardhan ji, Suma Vijay ji, and other members of Snehaloka Karaoke Club, Ekta Srinivas ji, Pratiba ji, Sapna & Anit Chand, Reena Hebbar, Shiva Priya ji, Pavan Peter, and other members of BSG and SEK .. 

The list goes on and on. We are truly blessed to have come into contact with so many of you, in such a short span of time. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 

We can only pray that all your love and support continues for Aditya, and that he will continue to evolve and improve as a musician. Who knows what the future holds, but the road ahead seems bleddy interesting to say the least! :-)

Aditya's current repertoire includes Hindustani Classical Music Vocal, Sufi, Devotional (Daaswani, Abhangs, Bhajans), Film (Hindi, Bengali, Kannada), and Western (Jazz). He also plays the Harmonium, Keyboards, Drums, Pianica (Piano Harmonica), and is currently learning to play the Trombone. (Yes, inspired and taught by Blasco Monsorate Sir himself!)

Durga Puja 2010 .. Aditya's debut performance at a Puja event!

Aditya sang at the Durga Puja celebrations in Brookefields, Bangalore on the auspicious occasion of Shubho Saptami (14th Oct). He was the only child singer and was given the honor of opening the evening's cultural program with a Chotakhayal and a Bhajan in Raag Malkauns! :)

Featured here is a video snippet of the Bhajan.

Meeting with Ustad Rashid Khan!

We were privileged to have attended the grand finale of the Bengaluru International Arts Festival (on Sunday 10-10-10), featuring Ustad Rashid Khan (Hindustani Classical Vocal) and Vidwan TM Krishna (Carnatic Classical Vocal) in a 'Jugalbandi' Concert at the Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru .. Aditya and I were also lucky enough to meet Ustad ji backstage and get his blessings for our musical endeavors! They started with Raag Desh, moved to Raag Kirwani and finally Raag Bhairavi .. Before this, each of the artistes had one or two vocal renditions individually too. Ustad ji sang Raag Puriya Dhanashri. Wah!

This is a very special photograph of Aditya with Ustad Rashid Khan :-)

And one of Ustad ji with me!

Indian Ocean Concert - Bangalore, 29th July 2010

We attended our first ever Indian Ocean concert at Hard Rock Cafe Bengaluru on 29th July 2010 .. Asheem was missed of course, but Susmit Sen, Rahul Ram and Amit Kilam were admirably backed up by Himanshu Joshi (Vocals) and Tuhin (Tabla). Aditya managed to get photo-op time with all the band members! :)

Aditya gazing wistfully at his hero - Amit Kilam, Percussionist and Vocals. Aditya particularly enjoyed the 'Gabgubi' instrument played by Amit! :-)

Making funny faces together! Rahul Ram (Bass Guitar and Vocals) with Aditya ...

Hey, he does smile! Susmit Sen (Co-founder of the Band and Acoustic/Lead Guitar) with Aditya ...

Meeting with God - aka Ustad Zakir Hussain, in Bangalore

This will remain etched in our memory forever. 13th Feb - a date with destiny. We had somehow managed to get tickets for a concert showcasing Ustad Zakir Hussain on Tabla, but hadn't bargained for the bonus at the end ...

The concert itself started with the opening act of Pt. Pravin Godkhindi on Flute, accompanied by Pt. Ravindra Yavagal on Tabla. Pt. Godkhindi was at his mellifluous best in Raag Yaman. The main act was Ustad Zakir Hussain on Tabla, accompanied by Sabir Khan on Sarangi. Sabir Khan is the son and disciple of the maestro Ustad Sultan Khan. Magical tabla playing. What a performance! Absolutely stunning!

And then the bonus ... We managed to somehow push our way through the crowd and meet with Ustad backstage. Yes, an actual face to face, cheek to jowl meeting with the maestro! Here are some photographs. We are still reliving the moment! :-)

Ustad Zakir Hussain comforting Aditya who had to struggle through the crowd to get close to the Ustad. He was gracious enough to hug Aditya and give him a personalized autograph!

Autograph of Ustad Zakir Hussain, addressed to Aditya! Wah Ustad!

Sabir Khan (Sarangi player, and son of Ustad Sultan Khan himself!), Aditya and Anup - Post concert photo op! :)

Ghalib Ghallab (Jazz musician), live at Kyra, Bangalore

Very interesting experience of new-age Jazz music. Ghalib Ghallab is an internationally acclaimed Jazz musician, who sings and plays the Piano (and keyboards) with equal aplomb! His usual performance location is the Caesar's Palace Casino and Restaurant, Las Vegas, but on this occasion he was in India, and performing live at Kyra.

Aditya was entranced by the rhythms and the percussion section .. Insisted on having some photos taken with Ghalib and his son Jihad (Drums), and Ricky Rocha (Congos).

Aditya and the Raghu Dixit Project - 26 Jan 2010, Bangalore!

Celebrating Republic Day in style!

Aditya had a memorable evening at Kyra Theater, when he was invited by Raghu Dixit to join him on stage and sing with the Raghu Dixit Project! This video clip has Aditya singing 'Ninna Poojege Bandhe Mahadeshwara' - Raghu's iconic song from the Kannada movie 'Psycho'.

Jazz in our lives! Yes, along with Indian Classical Music!

Aditya has been following Jazz for some time now - Over a year to be precise, and has a very keen appreciation of the nuances of this form of music too. How did he get interested in Jazz? I don't really know, but artistes like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis etc. are all very popular at home, along with stalwarts of Indian Classical Music ... So yeah, quite an eclectic combination! I'm waiting for the day when he can combine the two forms of music and create something new on his own! Aaahhh ... That would indeed be the day! :-)

Here's a photo of Aditya trying out a Bass Trombone, courtesy the visiting ETH Big Band Orchestra from Switzerland, at the Kyra Theater, Bangalore

Our meeting with Dhrupad maestro Guruji Pt. Falguni Mitra

We were very lucky to have the opportunity of meeting Guruji Pt. Falguni Mitra recently. Guruji and Guruma were gracious enough to take time off from their busy schedules to host us at their home. We sought and obtained their blessings and guidance for our musical endeavors. Aditya and I also sang a few bhajans and chotakhayals in their presence, and Aditya had the singular honor of being allowed to play on Guruji's harmonium! Truly a memorable occasion for all of us.

More information on Guruji :

A foremost exponent of Dhrupad, the authentic and respected form of Hindusthani Classical music, Pt. Falguni Mitra was initiated into music by his father, Sangeetacharya Pt. Shib Mitra at the tender age of four and a half. A worthy disciple of Pandit Bholanath Pathakji of Varanasi, a doyen of Betia Gharana, Pt. Shib Mitra had the privilege of receiving “taalim” in Alaap from the legendary musician, Ustad Nasiruddin Khan Sahib of Indore, the patriarch of the Dagars. Thus, Pt. Falguni Mitra combines the Dagar style of “Alaapchari” with the Betia style of Dhrupad and Dhamaar with a distinctive stamp of his own personality.

• http://www.falgunimitra.com/
• http://www.bihaanmusic.com/Falguni-Music%20for%20the%20soul.htm

Gifted with a deep, melodious voice, Pt. Falguni Mitra has inspired a reformation to this unique art-form through successful innovations in its melodic structure and rhythmic variations. The unwavering purity of the Raga, imaginative phrases filled with emotions and nuances, majestic compositions and intricate “laykari” create an aesthetic charm that permeate his vocal renderings.

Pandit Falguni Mitra retired early from an extremely busy top executive position in a multinational US corporation to pursue his first love, music. Currently associated with ITC Sangeet Research Academy as the Prefect and a Guru, Falguni Mitra has been taking part in prestigious music festivals in India and abroad for decades besides being a regular artiste on Akashvani and Doordarshan. Early in his career, he became the youngest musician to perform as a regular artiste on All India Radio, and has subsequently been honored with various awards and titles including the esteemed "Dhrupad Ratna".

A video of Pt. Falguni Mitra found on Youtube

THE photo! Aditya and the Raghu Dixit Project at Kyra Theater, Bangalore

Finally the photo I was waiting for !! Aditya on stage with Raghu Dixit and the others from the band (Vijay Joseph and Darbuka Siva are visible, Jithin Das and Gaurav Vaz just out of the picture frame). Photo credits to Shilpa Sequeira.

Folk Music Concert - Raghu Dixit LIVE in Bangalore

Will be attending the 'Raghu Dixit Project' live concert at Kyra, Bangalore on Friday 8th May, 2009 ... Aditya loves Raghu's music especially 'Mysore se aayi' and 'Ambar', and his soulful renditions of Sant Shishunala Sharif's compositions !

My meeting with a music legend - Manna Dey (Oct 2005)

(Click on photo to enlarge)

This happened a few years ago when I was in Mysore, and was trying to meet Manna Dey to request him to perform live at Mysore. That day did finally dawn (19 Jan 2006), and it was a virtuoso performance!

This photo was taken with the legend at his residence in Bangalore a few months prior to the live concert. And personally autographed by him too!

Pt. Bhimsen Joshi and Manna Dey

Yes, they did sing atleast one song together! Remember this one ? The duet between Panditji and Manna Dey - "Ketaki gulab juhi champaka bana phule" from the film Basant Bahar ?

Panditji sings for the hero's rival, and of course, the hero has to get the better of him, but it seems to be an unfair contest: Panditji sings Basant, while Manna Dey gets to sing phrases from Basant and an additional raga - Bahar!

Late Pandit Fakkiresha Agadi of Haveri (1949-1997)

Popularly known as 'Fakkiresha Gavai' of Haveri, he was born on 30th April, 1949 in Agadi village of Haveri District, Karnataka, to his parents Late Shri Nagappa and Late Smt. Jaanakiamma. Having evinced a keen interest in music at an early age, he had his initial training in music under Pt. Shivayya (Aradhya Math, Haveri). Subsequently he completed his advanced education in Hindustani Music at Gadag’s Shri Veereshwara Punyashrama, as a disciple of Gaanayogi Tribhashakavi Paramapoojya Dr. Puttaraja Gavai.

Recognized as one of the best exponents of the Panchakshara, Kirana and Gwalior Gharanas of Music, Late Pandit Fakkiresha Agadi received multiple honours and titles, notable amongst them being "Gaana Kogile", "Gaana Vishaarada", "Gaayana Ratna" and "Sangeeta Sudhakara". In addition to being one of the featured artistes on Akashvani and Doordarshan, he also displayed his musical repertoire and talent at performances and events in other states like Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He was credited with a revolutionary voice, capable of attracting people from all walks of life, with his skilled renditions of Hindustani Classical Music and Light Music.

Late Pandit Fakkiresha Agadi served as Sangeeta Adhyapaka (Music teacher) at the Govt. Pre-University College at Chitaguppa, Bidar District in 1982. He then served as Music teacher / Staff member at the Govt. Teacher’s Training Institute at Aanavatti, Shimoga District. By this time, his health had unfortunately begun to decline, and this eventually resulted in his untimely passing away on 23rd June, 1997. He is survived by his wife and 4 children.

Foremost amongst the disciples of Late Pandit Fakkiresha Agadi is our Guruji - Pandit Shripad R Gaddi, who enjoyed a 26 year association with his Guru, that included a very intense 4 year internship period where he literally “shadowed” his Guru in everything he did.

Other disciples of Late Pandit Fakkiresha Agadi include Smt. Viraajamma and Smt. Chandramma (who would often be selected by their Guru for special performances during the annual Ganesha festival), and also Smt. Vanaja, Smt. Kirtana, Smt. Gaana and Smt. Sharadamma.

Celebrating the 88th Birthday of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi !!

Wednesday 4th Feb 2009 -> The 88th birthday of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi!

Saregama India brought out a special CD set "my music - the saregama years" in 4 volumes, to mark the occasion. Its a special collection of Panditji's most memorable performances including some rare Ragas.

Wow! I am waiting to get my hands on this set. Whatever the cost.

Updated on 26 Feb : The set of 4 volumes (8 CDs) costs Rs. 1800. I bought my collection from hamaracd.com (online purchase). Yes !!!!!

Guruji

Our Guruji -
Pandit Shripad R Gaddi

An eminent musician and teacher of Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal), he hails from Hubli of Karnataka State in India. He has been performing and teaching music for many years now, including more than 20 years at Akashvani (Dharwad Kendra).

Guruji spent more than 25 years as a disciple and student of Late Pandit Fakkiresha Agadi (Haveri), and also learnt from legends like Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, and GaanaYogi TribhashaKavi Paramapoojya Dr. Puttaraja Gavai (Gadag).

He is currently based in Bangalore, India and teaches at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Purandhara Bhavan, and also has many other disciples / students (like the 3 of us!) whom he guides at home.

A beginning ...

We started our musical journey many years ago, but the formalization of this quest happened quite recently. This blog will attempt to track our progress. Our ? Yes - all 3 of us! Under the tutelage of Guruji Pandit Shripad R Gaddi, and inspired by his Gurus (including Pandit Bhimsen Joshi himself, and Late Pandit Fakkiresha Agadi), the Vittal parivar (Anup, Bipasha and Aditya) are all learning Hindustani Classical Music ... The youngest of this trio of students (Aditya, aged 10 yrs) is also the most competent!

More details soon