Born in Bhandara, Maharashtra now settled in Mumbai, 25 year old Gandhar Deshpande is a powerhouse of talent. He commenced his musical training at the age of five. His first gurus were his parents, Pandit Dr. Ram Deshpande and, Smt. Archana Deshpande, both vocalists and experts in Hindustani music; he is further honing his skills under the able guidance of Pt. Dr. Ram Deshpande for Gwalior, Jaipur, and Agra Gharana gayaki by ‘Gurushishya Parampara’, from past 15 years.

Very few people leave an indelible impression in our lives through a personality that is forceful, yet amiable, dominant yet graceful and, principled yet flexible. Such a personality was Vidushi Dipali Nag. In those days when women singers from cultivated homes were almost a rarity, she stood out as a source of inspiration because of her entry as an educated girl into the world of true professionals, pioneering the spread of Classical and semi-classical music among the ladies.

 Mita Nag (born 2 January 1969), daughter of veteran sitarist, Pandit Manilal Nag and grand daughter of Sangeetacharya Gokul Nag, belongs to the Vishnupur Gharana of Bengal, a school of music nearly 300 years old. In terms of lineage, Mita is the sixth generation sitar player in her family, the tradition having begun with her fore fathers. Mita born in 1969 was initiated into music at the tender age of four. Her tutelage under her father started at the age of six. In 1979 in the International Year of the Child, she appeared for her debut performance at the age of ten.

An Archival photo of Legendary Vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Legendary Sarod Maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Legendary Sitar Maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan.
• Photo Credits : Rajni Pradhan