Uday Bhawalkar -

Uday Bhawalkar was born in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He is the youngest of three siblings was born in Madhya Pradesh. He began training in Hindustani classical music from his elder sister. His love for the music soon led him to one of the most prolific figures in the ancient Dhrupad,[2] Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. He is a unique exponent of the art, pushing its boundaries with his inimitable creativity and the force of his dedication.


At the age of 15, he received scholarship at the Dhrupad Kendra, Bhopal.[3] Here and subsequently in Mumbai, Uday was initiated into the carefully guarded Dhrupad legacy of the Dagar Family that has been transmitted orally for 19 generations, in the age old Guru Shishya Parampara, under the tutelage of Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, and later under his elder brother, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagarsahab.
In this time honoured tradition, the student lives with his Guru and other fellow students, dedicating the majority of time to rigorous riyaz and working for the well-being of the Gurukul. This training, the time spent with his Ustads and his own meditations on the art, made Uday appreciate the nuances and realize the vast depths of the music. During these years of deep reflection and devoted practice, he resolved to make music his life's purpose.

Career

In 1987, delighted by Uday's first public performance, Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar (one of the elder Dagar Brothers) awarded him a gold medal. Since then he has performed widely in India and abroad, in concerts, workshops and lecture - demonstration sessions, playing an active role in inspiring an increasing interest in this ancient and meditative art.
Based in Pune, he regularly travels nationally and all over the world giving concerts, demonstrations and teaching. Additionally, he has contributed to the soundtracks of International Art films including Mani Kaul's Cloud Door, Aparna Sen's Mr & Mrs Iyer and Amol Palekar's Anahat. Several recordings of Uday Bhawalkar's Dhrupad performances are available on CD in India and abroad.[4] He performs on National TV and radio in India regularly.

Teaching
At the age of 20, Uday began teaching any and all who show a sincere wish to learn. He now lives in Pune and his own house is a Gurukul of sorts with students coming and practicing at any time of the day. He was also a Visiting Artist in Residence at the University of Washington in Seattle in the Dept. of Ethnomusicology,[5] a position held many years ago by his Guru, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagarsaheb.
Uday along with his wife Jyoti, have strived to create an environment in their home to foster freedom of expression and creativity through music, for his many students, some of whom have also at various times stayed with him and his family.


Raag Bhinna Shadja