Born on 22nd Nov 1970 in Mumbai,
Vinayak had an inherent liking for music from his childhood. Recognizing his
keen response towards the rhythm, his father Pundalik Prabhu, an accomplished vocalist
and tabla player himself, gave Vinayak early lessons in Tabla.
A vocal recital by the legendary Pt. Bhimsen
Joshi opened up new horizons in Vinayak’s life and inspired him to learn vocal
music in the North Indian (Hindustani) Khayal tradition under the guidance and
supervision of his father. Vinayak’s inclination towards the Kirana Gayaki took
him to Pt. Firoz Dastur, a doyen of this Gharana and a disciple of Sawai
Gandharva and Vinayak started grooming fast as a competent performer under his
tutelage.
Gifted with a deep, resonating and mellifluous voice,
Vinayak’s performances in many of the music festivals in India have
earned him great acclaim from connoisseurs. His scintillating performance at
the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival in Pune gave a new dimension to his musical
career.
Vinayak is equally proficient in Thumri-Dadra
and Devotional Music which he presents with elan in his renditions.