Suryaksha Deshpande

He has taken tremendous efforts in balancing his academic career and tabla training. 1977 born Science Graduate, Suryaksha is a disciple of renowned scholar and performer Pt. Arvind Mulgaonkar of Farrukhabad Gharana (senior disciple of Ustad Amir Hussain Khan Sahab). He has also received training of "Delhi Baaz" from Pt. Sudhir Mainkar - a great Musicologist - disciple of Inam Ali Khan Sahab of Delhi Gharana. He has achieved excellence in competitions held by reputed organizations throughout the country & was also felicitated with the prestigious Pt. V. D. Paluskar Award.

He has secured First Rank all over India in Tabla Alankar (Masters Degree) Exam held by Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. He is an 'A' Grade artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan. He is a recipient of the Fellowship for Junior Artist by The Dept. of Culture, India.

He has accompanied many great artists like Padmabhushan Dr. N. Rajam (Violin), Padmashree Pt. D.K. Datar (Violin), Padmashree Pt. Satish Vyas (santoor), Pt. Brij Narayan (Sarod), Pt. Ulhas Bapat (Santoor), Smt. Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande (vocal), Shri. Jayateerth Mevundi (vocal), in India and abroad. He has performed with South Indian musicians like Shri. Sriram Parshuram (vocal), Shri. Sridhar Parthsarathy (Mridangam) etc. He has also played in many Talwadya Kachaheri concerts. He conceived the concept of Tabla and Dholki (a folk percussion) being played together for the first time on stage with his Gurubhai Krishna Musalye-Ghotkar.

He had an opportunity to accompany Ghazal maestro Ustad Ghulam Ali in New Jersey.

A blend of the Traditional Tabla of Farrukabaad Gharana, the expansion process of Delhi Gharana and influence of Laghu is clearly observed in his Tabla. A thoughtful and robust solo, a balanced accompaniment to Vocal Music and an appropriate accompaniment to instrumental music are some of his specialties.

He has successfully conducted many workshops & lecture demonstrations. Suryaksha currently works at Taalsadhana in New Jersey as a tutor.