Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar
Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar, the maestro from the Mewati Gharana, is an artist of international acclaim in the field of Hindustani Classical and Devotional Music. An extremely popular artist, he is the inspiration for the young generation. With his magical singing, he has attracted the young generation towards the Indian Classical music. In a career spanning more than 25 years, he has assumed the mantle of a role model of dedication, hard work, patience and perseverance.
According to Sanjeev ji, the most creative opportunity for any classical musician lies in the elaboration within the few notes of every Raga by way of aalaps, taans and fine ornamentation of notes. The countless possibilities and their aesthetic expression contribute towards making a big musical picture in the presentation of the 'khayal'. The knowledge, the practice, the vision, the patience and perseverance are key factors in determining the depth of the musician’s creativity.
A musician has to keep in mind that while searching for the creativity, the 'Bhav and Rasa' i.e. the feel, emotion and soulfulness of music should not be compromised. A musician has to strike a wonderful balance between creativity and emotional appeal of his or her music.
Experimenting with the form of presenting music is something Sanjeev ji strongly believes in. He thinks that the form may change and evolve with time. The designs of the gold ornaments change with time, but the purity of gold should remain the same. Similarly, the format and presentation of music may change, but the soul of music should remain untouched.
On 5th October 1969, this child prodigy was born into a musical family. The first glimpse of his talent was seen at the age of 3. He showed uncanny ability in reciting all the songs his grandmother would sing for him. His parents realised and perceived the value of the promise shown by their child. They decided to nurture and groom his talent.
At the age of 8 , his mother thought the time ripe to start his formal training. His mother, Dr. Shobha Abhyankar, being a singer in her own right, became his first guru. Thus began Sanjeev’s journey in the field of music.
Simultaneously, Sanjeev also started training under Pandit Gangadharbua Pimpalkhare , who also happened to be Sanjeev's mother's guru. Sanjeev gave his first stage performance at the age of 11. By giving a performance for 2 hours, he surprised one and all . Thereafter, he made waves as a ‘wonder boy’.
Stalwarts such as Smt. Hirabai Badodekar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Smt. Gangubai Hangal, legendary writer & musicologist Shri. P. L. Deshpande, Smt. Jyotsna Bhole & Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande strongly recommended music to become Sanjeev’s vocation in life. By this time, Sanjeev's mother had started learning from Pandit Jasrajji and wished that Sanjeev should follow suit as the musical aesthetics with which Sanjeev was born matched that of Pandit Jasraj Ji. She expressed this desire to Jasrajji, who agreed to take Sanjeev on as his disciple, after listening to him. This proved to be the turning point in Sanjeev’s life.
Sanjeev underwent training as per the Indian tradition of 'Guru Shishya Parampara' . He stayed with Jasrajji and accompanied him all over. Sanjeev procured the knowledge by becoming a part of his family. He underwent vigorous training in this manner for 10 long years ( 1984- 1994) .