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My Guru, My Art
Aditi Kaikini Upadhya and Priya Purushothaman on the Guru-Shishya Tradition
Musicians
The Guru-Shishya parampara has been integral to the learning of Indian classical dance and music art forms: a deeply immersive and rigorous tradition that holds its own even in the modern context. A profound emotional and spiritual bond forms between teacher and student, through which not just the practice and knowledge of art, but also a way of life is transmitted down the generations. The Guru goes beyond the imparting of technicalities and nuances of art to shape and hone the Shishya’s voice, indeed, the artistic identity. The Shishya, part of a lineage that connects to the Guru’s Gurus, connects the past with the future, carrying this tradition to a new generation of artistes and audiences.
This series, My Guru, My Art takes an intimate look at this tradition and hopes to capture for posterity the stories of how the magic is created. Conversations between two artistes, Guru and Shishya, will explore their personal histories of learning a classical art form, sharing memories of interactions with their teachers, inspirations, influences, anecdotes of compositions and teaching moments, punctuated by music to illustrate the stories.
Join us as Vidushi Aditi Kaikini Upadhya and her disciple Priya Purushothaman reflect on the Guru-Shishya tradition within their rich musical parampara. Tracing back to Pandit Bhatkhande, Pandit SN Ratanjankar, and Pandit Dinkar Kaikini, this musical lineage is known for scholarship, composition, and an intentional pedagogical approach. Aditiji will share her thoughts about the nature of taalim and the rigorous training she received from her gurus, Smt Shashikala Kaikini and Pandit Dinkar Kaikini. In dialogue with Priya, she will discuss her shishya’s taalim experience and how this process takes shape in the modern day. Along with conversation and anecdotes, the presentation will showcase special compositions and musical exchanges that highlight the way creative knowledge is transferred in this art form.
Supported by:
Musicians
Aditi Kaikini Upadhya
Aditi Kaikini Upadhya was born into a family rich in musical tradition and artistic example. Aditi has received intense training in the traditional paramparic style, characterized by the dedicated and close tutelage of her Guru and father, Pandit Dinkar Kaikini, himself a renowned gavaiyya of the Agra Gharana, and her mother, respected vocalist Shashikala Kaikini. A worthy spokeswoman of her father’s powerful but nuanced style of singing, she has also chosen to highlight her lighter musical side, following training under Smt. Shobha Gurtu, known for her unparalleled mastery of Dadra, Thumri and Hori. Currently, she receives select guidance from Pandit Indudhar Nirody. In addition to having an international performing career, she is an active educator, guiding a select group of disciples and conducting workshops and lecture-demonstrations in India and abroad.
Priya Purushothaman
Priya Purushothaman is a Hindustani vocalist trained in the style of the Agra gharana by Vidushi Aditi Kaikini Upadhya and Pandit Sudhindra Bhaumik. She has also had the opportunity to receive specialized training from Pandit Dinkar Kaikini and Smt Shashikala Kaikini. She performs in India and abroad, and is dedicated to increasing awareness about Hindustani music through teaching and writing.
