Krishna Bhat

Krishna Bhat was born in a musical family in Idagunji, a remote village in Karnataka. Krishnaji was initiated into music by Shri. S.M.Bhat, a noted tabla guru who trained him at an early age. He continued tabla training under Pandit Sitaram Nayak, who is a disciple of the renowned tabla exponent Pandit Lokmanya of Delhi Baaj (Gharana). In the year 1983 Krishnaji came in contact with Pandit Gurunath Bhatta of the Gosai (Kuvar-shyam) Gharana who was instrumental in inspiring and encouraging. Krishnaji to follow his passion for music. During this period he secured 3rd Rank in Tala-vadya (Tabla) Course conducted by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, Bangalore. Krishnaji has completed his graduation from The ‘Karnataka University’ Dharwad, with music as a special subject. He came to Mumbai in the year 1986 and became a bonafide student of the Music Department, University of Mumbai. During the tenure of his BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) he studied vocal music under the able guidance of Pt. Jal K.Balporia, Pt. Firoz Dastur, and Pt. Ajay Pohankar. 

Krishnaji’s music is a rich and complex amalgamation of various influences that he has come across during different periods of his training. It is strongly temporal and composition in nature and shows a deep affinity with the Gwalior Gharana style of Upaj and Badhat. His rendition of ragas is charged with scintillating layakari and incredible taan patterns. Krishnaji is gifted with a fertile imagination and explores the com positional field with spontaneous improvisations.

He has also received training from the ingenious composer and musicologist Pandit C.P. Rele (Disciple of Pandit B.R.Deodhar). Though an adept tabla player and soloist, vocal music has always been Krishnaji’s area of specialization. He has received the major part of his training from Pandit Satyasheel Deshpande, (foremost Disciple of Pandit Kumar Gandharva).

Krishnaji is a firm believer in the values of spontaneity and musical interaction. He is  the co-founder of  'Kshitij' a Mumbai based musicians initiative that aims to keep alive the spirit of 'Hindustani mehfils'. The group has organised a large number of musical events in private places and public auditoriums, repeatedly seeking to create a space for creativity and self-expression in performance. It strives for the mutual sharing of the Hindustani tradition among artists and wider audiences.