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Pt. RUPAK KULKARNI

From Shrimati Annapurna Devi, the daughter of Pandit Ravi Shankar’s Guru Baba Allaudin Khan, came the legendary Flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and from this Master came his prime disciple Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, who has given this grand tradition a brand new flavor with his unique sensuality and creativity. Where others have performed ragas, Rupak has recreated ragas. Where others have played compositions through the flute, Rupak has written compositions through the flute. Where others have reminded us of the sensuality of the Krishna’s instrument, Rupak has proved to us the sensuality of Krishna’s instrument. Rupak is simply an age-old master of music disguised as a much younger artiste.

As a child prodigy with music blown into his breath by his father late Pt. Malhar Rao Kulkarni, Rupak has blossomed under the finest tutelage of flute legend Padma Vibhushan Pt. HARIPRASAD CHAURASIA to become an outstanding exponent of MAIHAR GHARANA.

As a GANDA BANDH Shagird of Pt. Chaurasia since the tender age of 9, Rupak with arduous training and hard work has mastered Dhrupad, Khayal and Tantrakari styles equally well. His recital is always a rare treat combining Dhrupad and Khayal Gayaki, melodious Aalap and scintillating Tatkar (Tonguing technique used for Jhala) innovative improvisation with mesmerising Layakari, superb breath control and dexterous finger work. No wonder his concerts are loved and lauded not only by common music lovers but even by connoisseurs and music maestros such as Pt. RAVISHANKAR and Pt. BHIMSEN JOSHI.

Rupak’s first solo flute performance was at the age of 11 at Darbar Hall, Baroda where he spellbound around 1500 music lovers. Since then he has performed in almost all prestigious music conferences in all over India and Abroad. He is also very sought after musician in World Music and is one of the most popular among young generation.

His first music album was at the age of 18, aptly titled TENDERLY, accompanied by Tabla maestro Pt. Anindo Chatterji. Since then Rupak has released his albums through all top ranking music companies like Times Music, HMV, Navras, Plus Music, Rhythm House, Ninaad, ABCL’s Big B, Sense World (London), WorldWideRecords etc.

Rupak has his own distinct mark and also followers and fans. His flute concerts are regularly aired on All India Radio, World Space Radio and various TV channels such as Doordarshan, STAR TV, Zee TV, and CNN-IBN etc.

Rupak has released his albums through all top ranking music companies like Times Music, HMV, Navras, Plus Music, Rhythm House, Ninaad, ABCL’s Big B, Sense World (London), WorldWideRecords. Some of his famous albums: