Indian Classical Singer Rahul Deshpande
He is the grandson of noted singer, Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande. Rahul Deshpande is a noted Indian classical singer. By studying the music of Pandit Kumar Gandharva, he developed his interest in vocal music. Though initially, he sought guidance from Ushatai Chipalkatti and Pandit Kumar Gandharva’s son Mukul Shivputra, he further learned music under the guidance of Pandit Gangadharbuva Pimpalkhare and Dr. Madhusudhan Patwardhan. Besides just singing, he has also learned to play the tabla from Pandit Suresh Samant.
Though Rahul’s primary interest lies in Abhijaat Hindustani Shastriya Sangeet, his repertoire also includes renditions from khayal, thumri, dadra, bhajan, gazal, natyageet, and bhaavgeet. His preference is for the “Gharana Virahit” style of singing out of the thought that inclusion of worthy aspects of different gharanas enriches one’s singing. He started received numerous awards from a very young age. These include the ‘Rasikagrani Dattopant Deshpande Award’ and ‘Sudhir Phadke Award.’ TV shows like ‘Soor Taal’ and ‘Nakshatranche Dene’ have made Rahul a household name. The young musician has given several national and international performances; he has performed in Australia, Singapore, the USA and the UK. He has released a number of audiocassettes of his classical and semiclassical performances. Rahul is featured regularly on television programs like Soor Taal and Nakshatranche Dene.
Rahul has achieved a great distinction as a creative musical performer from an early age. Several eminent critics have noted the similarity between Rahul’s approach and that of his grandfather’s. Rahul’s performance at ‘Sawai Gandharva’ left the audience mesmerized and craving for more.
Rahul Deshpande represents the next generation of Indian classical musicians who take Indian classical music to newer heights, and is a name that will remind us of his grandfather, Late Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande – a legendary vocalist who sang, varied forms of classical and semi – classical music.