Vocalist Vidushi Neela Bhagwat

Vidushi Neela Bhagwat is an exponent of Hiṅdustani Classical vocalist of the Gwalior Gharana and an educator. She underwent training in vocal music under Pt. Shartchandra Arolkar and Pt. Jal Balaporia of Gwalior. She has also studied dance under Lachchu Maharaj. She has given vocal recitals throughout India since 1979 and toured numerous countries like Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Fiji, USA, etc. She has lent her voice to films including Kumar Shahani’s “Khayal Gatha” and Thierry Knauff’s “Wild Blue.” Bhagwat presented “Kabir,” in which she rendered padās of the great Sufi mystic. She holds an M.A. in Marathi and Sanskrit, as well as an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Bombay. As an academic, Bhagwat has taught the Sociology of Music at SNDT University and the History of Music at the University of Bombay. She has published scholarly and literary books in Marathi, Hindi, and English, including “Kabir Gatha,” an experiential interpretation of his Bani. Bhagwat received a Fellowship of Government of India’s Ministry of Human Resources and Development, and has been honoured by SNDT University and YWCA Bombay for her contributions to Hindustani classical music.

On her Birthday, Hindustani Classical Music And Everything wishes her a long, healthy and active musical life ahead.

• Biography and Photo Credits : Tanveer Singh Sapra