Amita
Pavgi Gokhale, M. F. A. (Music) Mumbai University & Sangeet Alankaar, is a classic
example of how family upbringing and environment moulds a person. Her mother
and Guru ,Smt.Shubhada Pavgi is a
noted classical singer and well known music critic. Mother being a disciple and
an ardent follower of revered Pt.Gajananbuwa
Joshi , Smt.Shubhada Paradkar and Padmashree Pt.Ulhas Kashalkar , Amita
was born with classical music in her veins. The entire family literally
breathed music. Amita’s father Shri.Shreekant
Pavgi was then a trustee of many renowned educational and musical
institutions. Naturally, all well known artists and musicians used to stay with
the family during their concert tours in Dombivli.
Amita hence picked up the fine and
delicate nuances of Hindustani classical music by listening to musical interactions
between such stalwarts who frequented her home.
Amita got her first
lessons in Hindustani classical music from her mother Smt.Shubhada Pavgi at the age of 4. Thanks to the veteran artists,
her thoughts and vision as regards classical music became very prominent. The
musical personality of Padmashree Pt.Ulhas
Kashalkar and Taalyogi Pt.Suresh Talwalkar had a great influence on her
family. Later, Amita started taking rigorous talim under the tutelage of Pt.Sharad
Sathe, a doyen of Gwalior Gharana. She is continuing her training with Pt.Sharad Sathe (80) even today.
Amita completed her
graduation in the field of commerce and was bestowed the “Best Student Award” by Mulund
College of Commerce. She won prizes in many competitions of classical as
well as light music and bagged 1st
prize in All India Inter collegiate light music and gazal singing competition
at Manali, (H.P) This boosted her
confidence and encouraged her to take up music as her career. Amita found the treasure of Gwalior Gharana’s rich musical
tradition in Pt.Sharad Sathe. She
learnt different forms and presentation skills of Raga from him.
Melodious & impressive voice, disciplined
practice, knowledge and training acquired from her Gurus and last but not
least, her own insight and talent are the positive characteristics of Amita’s
singing. She is passing on this valuable treasure to her disciples as well.