Swar, Soch, Laya

Mandakini, born into a family steeped in musical tradition, discovered her passion for Hindustani classical vocal music at age seven under her father, Pandit A. Maheswar Rao, and later trained under Vidushi Veena Sahasrabuddhe, Pandit J. V. S. Rao, Pandit Madhup Mudgal, and Pandit Vikas Kashalkar. She has performed on platforms including All India Radio, Doordarshan, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Kathak Kendra, and previously served as music teacher-cum-performer at the High Commission of India in Trinidad & Tobago, and as an ICCR-empanelled artist. Her performances span Singapore, Malaysia, Austria, South Africa, and Mauritius, as well as Rajim Kumbha Mela, Chakradhar Samaroha, and Odissi Raga Mahotsav in India, and concerts in the United States.

Kaustuv Swain, born into a family of musicians, received his initial training from his father, Guru Shri Jitendra Kumar Swain, building a strong foundation in taal and laya before focusing on tabla. He later trained under, and continues to study with, Padmashri Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. A CCRT scholarship holder, he was conferred a B-High grade artiste by All India Radio on his first attempt. He is a Gold Medalist in Bachelor of Performing Arts from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, and performs regularly internationally, accompanying several established artistes across the country.