Pandit Uday Bhawalkar
is an Indian Hindustani vocalist. He
is an exponent of the dhrupad genre.
Uday Bhawalkar is a standard bearer for Dhrupad, and a
strong force in its growing recognition and popularity. Uday believes that when
immersed in the note and raga, the self disappears and music takes on its own
existence; the principle of ‘darshan’. These values are helping him on the path
of devotion to Dhrupad. Dhrupad is one of the oldest forms of North Indian
classical music and Uday maintains its majesty and subtle nuances. Dhrupad is a
living and evolving classical music tradition. Uday has developed a unique
style deeply embedded in raga ras and bhaav.
Dhrupad is one of the oldest forms of North Indian classical
music and Uday maintains its majesty and subtle nuances. Dhrupad is a living
and evolving classical music tradition. Uday has developed a unique style
deeply embedded in raga ras and bhaav. This brings a creative melodic addition
to the precise intonation and pronunciation characteristic to the Dhrupad
style. Uday spent over 12 years studying and living in the traditional guru-shishya parampara with Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar (Vocal) and
Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (Rudra-Veena), the towering pillars of the
Dhrupad tradition. During this period there was a simple and complete
concentration on the music itself. This intimate relationship, in which the
Ustads willingly gave their inner secrets along with Uday’s devotion, brought
him to a deep sense of completeness and wholeness.
Uday has performed in a number of prestigious festivals and
events in India and abroad. Uday has also collaborated with artists from other
disciplines and cultures including the contemporary dancer Astad Deboo,
Ensemble Modern in Germany and musicians from Spain, Georgia and the USA. Uday
has been blessed by Ustad Zakir Hussain who accompanied him on the Pakhawaj at
the Prithvi Music Festival, Mumbai. Additionally, Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and
Shri Sukhvinder Singh Namdhari have accompanied Uday on the Tabla in a number
of concerts. Uday has contributed to the soundtracks of International Art films
including Mani Kaul’s “Cloud Door”, Aparna Sen’s “Mr & Mrs Iyer”, Amol
Palekar’s “Anahat”, Renuka Shahane’s “Rita” and others. Aside from being a
performing artist, Uday is a very sensitive teacher and has a devoted following
of students committed to pursuing the path of Dhrupad.
His workshops have been hosted by
Universities in India, Europe and the USA. His workshops are always stimulating
and he is supportive of all participants’ efforts whether they are professional
musicians or small children. In 2012, Uday became an empanelled Guru at the ITC
Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata. The ITC SRA is one of India’s most
recognized musical institutions for its contribution to Hindustani Classical
musical education.
Achievements, awards
& scholarships of Pt. Uday Bhawalkar
*Ustad Allauddin Khan Academy, Bhopal Scholarship (1981–1985)
*National Scholarship (1986–1989)
*Gold medal from Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar (1987)
*Junior Fellowship (1993–1995)
*Rashtreeya Kumar Gandharva Samman (2001)
*Vishva Sangeet Ratna from Della Heritage Foundation (2005)
*Raza Foundation Award 2006-2007, New Delhi (2008)