About
Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, born 14 January 1955 in Maharashtra, is among the most respected Hindustani classical vocalists of his generation. Uniquely, he is a leading representative of three khayal gharanas, Gwalior, Jaipur and Agra, having trained under Pandit Ram Marathe and Pandit Gajananrao Joshi after his first lessons from his father. He is celebrated as a musicians' musician and has held the title Raag Rishi.
Kashalkar is noted for the depth and authenticity of his gayaki and for resurrecting rare, obscure ragas, at times moving between all three gharana styles within a single performance. A top-grade artist of All India Radio, he has served for over three decades as a resident guru at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, shaping a generation of vocalists. His honours include the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The artistry
Kashalkar sings with a supple, traditional voice and can move authentically between the Gwalior, Jaipur and Agra gharanas, a rare command of three khayal styles held together by deep musicianship. He favours a classical, unhurried unfolding of the raga, prizing purity of grammar, tonal beauty and emotional restraint over display. A revered guru at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, he brings a scholar's fidelity and a performer's sensitivity to a repertoire he has helped preserve at the highest level.
Kashalkar is a purist's choice for a serious khayal recital, prized by connoisseurs for authenticity and rare-raga scholarship. A host can programme a classical recital or a lecture-demonstration on the gharana traditions. [Atlas Assessment]
Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar is a rare custodian of three khayal traditions and a foremost teacher, sustaining the classical Hindustani vocal art at its most refined. A Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and long-serving guru at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, he has trained many of today's leading vocalists while performing with rigour and grace. His command across gharanas and his devotion to teaching make him a pillar of contemporary Hindustani music.