Shashank Maktedar | Raag Kedar at ITC Sangeet Research Academy

Shashank is one of the leading vocalists of the present generation. His music displays all the signs of a great master. He belongs to the very rich traditions of Gwalior, Jaipur and Agra Gharana. He had a privilege to get his Talim from none other than Padmashri Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar for nine years in the traditional guru shishya parampara at ITC Sangeet Research Academy Kolkata, from 1991 to 2000. Before that, he had his initial training from Pt. Nath Neralkar at Aurangabad. Today, Shashank is a very mature vocalist creating his own distinctive style. He has a well-seasoned voice which is both tuneful and sonorous. Shashank's singing has a variety of musical ornamentation with an aesthetic approach. There is ease and grace in all the three octaves. Good command of rhythm and powerful volley of complex 'taan' patterns mark Shashanks singing. Another noteworthy fact in his gayaki is that there is no attempt to play to the gallery with gimmicks. This display of artistic integrity has endeared him to listeners.
He is a well established Gharanedar(traditional) vocalist of the modern era.
An A grade artist of A.I.R. Shashank is the recipient of numerous awards, which include the prestigious Aditya Vikram Birla Kalakiran Award along with Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. He has presented his art on several musical platforms, like Sawai Gandharv Mahotsav, Pune, Vishnu Digambar Jayanti Samaroh, Delhi, I.T.C. Sangeet Sammelans at Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore etc. and has been praised and appreciated by all types of listeners. Shashank has also toured and performed in many other countries like USA, UK, France, Switzerland and Dubai to name a few. Along with a popular performing artist he has also had an excellent academic career. He has completed his PhD at Pune University and has been awarded a Doctorate Degree in music.
Presently he is settled in Panaji, Goa, and is giving guidance to many youngsters, as he feels it is his social responsibility and duty to carry forward the musical tradition to the younger generation

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