Performers
The call of the soul can be heard this evening.
Rakshit Kulkarni’s recital features two Hindustani rāgas, presented in their traditional depth and grandeur. This is followed by a selection of rare Haridasa compositions in the second half of the concert. He is accompanied by Mihir Kalyanpur on tabla and Anjana Hegde on harmonium.
The Haridasa tradition began in Karnataka centuries ago, blossoming from the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya. Saint-composers like Purandara Dasa and Kanaka Dasa wrote devotional songs in Kannada, making sacred philosophy accessible to ordinary people. These compositions were originally sung in the Carnatic style, but over time, particularly in North Karnataka, Hindustani music began to shape how Haridasa songs were rendered. Vocalists like Bhimsen Joshi carried this crossover forward, and it continues today. This recital brings together both traditions, presenting Haridasa compositions through a Hindustani lens.
Venue: Seminar Halls
Performers
Rakshit Kulkarni
Rakshit Kulkarni is a Hindustani classical vocalist from Dharwad, influenced by his uncle, renowned vocalist Pt. Madhav Gudi. He trained under Pt. Sheshgiri Gudi and Pt. Shripad Hegde Kampli, and currently studies under Pt. Shreedhar Kulkarni of Belgaum, alongside training in Dasarapadas under Pt. Katageri Dasaru. He has performed at festivals including Pt. Madhav Gudi Smaran and the Bhimpalas Music Festival. An A-graded All India Radio artiste, he has received the Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Scholarship (2015) and the Sphurana Yuva Kala Sadhaka Award (2022).
Mihir Kallianpur
Mihir Kallianpur began tabla training at age seven under Pt. Prabhakar Betrabet, later receiving advanced training from Ustad Shabbir Nisar, son of legendary tabla Nawaaz Ustad Shaik Dawood Khan Sahab. He has won awards and scholarships from institutions including SURSAGAR, Bangalore, and the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi. He has performed at venues including the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav and Ustad Abdul Karim Khan Sangeet Mahotsav, accompanying noted vocalists and instrumentalists. He is a B-high graded All India Radio artist who has performed across India and the United States.
Anjana Hegde
Anjana Hegde is a Hindustani classical musician and harmonium accompanist. Born to educator parents, Smt. Vidya Hegde and Shri Shankar Hegde Heremakki, she trained in Hindustani vocal music under Pt. Shripad Hegde Somanemane and Vidwan Vinayak Hegde Hirehadd. Her passion for the harmonium led her to formal training under Vidwan Prakash Hegde Yadalli, and she is currently training under internationally acclaimed harmonium maestro Pt. Dr. Ravindra Katoti. She has accompanied eminent musicians on harmonium at prestigious concert platforms across Karnataka.
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