Rahul Deshpande (Born: 1979) is an Indian classical music singer.

[edit] Background

Rahul is the grandson of noted singer Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande of Patiala Gharana.

Rahul developed his interest in vocal music by studying the music of Pandit Kumar Gandharva. Initially, he sought guidance from Ushatai Chipalkatti and Pandit Kumar Gandharva's son Mukul Shivputra. He further learned music under the tutelage of Pandit Gangadharbuva Pimpalkhare and Dr. Madhusudhan Patwardhan. He also learned playing tabla from Pandit Suresh Samant.

Though Rahul's primary interest lies in Abhijaat Hindustani Shastriya Sangeet, his repertoire also includes renditions from khayal, thumri, dadra, bhajan, gazal, natyageet, and bhaavgeet. His preference is for the "Gharana Virahit" style of singing out of the thought that inclusion of worthy aspects of different gharanas enriches one's singing.

Rahul Deshpande (born 1979 in Pune) an Indian classical vocalist, represents the next generation of Indian classical musicians, who will take the art to newer heights and is a name that will remind us of his grandfather, Late Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande - a legendary vocalist who sang, varied forms of classical and semi – classical music.

Rahul's initial learning years were spent under the tutelage of Pandit Gangadharbuva Pimpalkhare and later, under Dr. Madhusudhan Patwardhan. Initially in his career Rahul was more interested in the tabala. His interest in vocal music began by studying the music of Pandit Kumar Gandharva. Rahul initially sought guidance from Ushatai Chipalkatti and later from Mukul Shivputra - the son of Pandit Kumar Gandharva.

Rahul’s repertoire includes renditions from classical ragas to khayal, thumri, dadra, natyageet, bhajan, gazal and bhaavgeet. He feels that by binding oneself to one Gharana system limits an artist’s growth and thinking. There are many good styles different Gharanas have, which can be included in one's singing in order to enrich it.

Rahul has achieved prominence as a creative musical performer from an early age. Several eminent critics have noted the similarity between Rahul’s approach and that of his grandfather’s. Rahul’s performance at last year’s ‘Sawai Gandharva’ left the audience mesmerized and craving for more.

At a very young age, Rahul has received numerous awards, which include the ‘Rasikagrani Dattopant Deshpande Award’ and ‘Sudhir Phadke Award.’ TV shows like ‘Soor Taal’ and ‘Nakshatranche Dene’ have made Rahul a household name. Rahul has also performed in Australia, Singapore, the USA and the UK.

[edit] Achievements and Awards

Rahul has given several national and international performances, and has released a number of audio cassettes of his classical and semiclassical performances. He is regularly featured in TV programs like Soor Taal and Nakshatranche Dene on Indian channels such as E-TV, Alpha TV, and Doordarshan.

Rahul's awards include:

• Rasikagrani Dattopant Deshpande Award, (which was presented to him at the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival), and
• Sudhir Phadke Award (for his outstanding achievements at a young age).

[edit] External links

• Profile: Rahul Deshpande

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