Speakers

PT. ULHAS KASHALKAR

Ulhas Kashalkar is a venerated classical vocalist, from the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. Kashalkar started his musical training at the age of 10 under the guidance of his father, Sh N.D. Kashalkar, who was a well-known vocalist and CONVENTION SPECIAL 16 |SANDESH | MAY 2024 17 |SANDESH | MAY 2024 musicologist. Later, he trained under the guidance of Pt Gajananbua Joshi and Pt. Babanrao Haldankar, who were both stalwarts in the field of Hindustani classical music.

His voice is known for its clarity, depth, and range, and he has a unique style that blends traditional elements with contemporary nuances. In 1980, he won the Sangeet Research Academy Scholarship, which enabled him to receive further training under Pt. Bhimsen Joshi.

He has performed extensively in India and abroad and has been recognized with numerous awards and honours, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2018) and Padma Shri (2006). He has also extended his expertise by teaching Hindustani classical to students at the University of Washington, Seattle and other places.