Veena Sahasrabuddhe

Veena Sahasrabuddhe was born in India on September 14, 1948. She is a leading musician and composer of Hindustani classical music (vocal) and an educator. Her style has its roots in the Gwalior gharana tradition while borrowing from Jaipur and Kirana gharanas. Sahasrabuddhe has gained the respect and admiration of many listeners and musicians all across the world in her career as a singer of khyal and bhajan songs. Her talents and experience have led her all around the globe, frequently touring around Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Life and career

Sahasrabuddhe was born into a musical family. She began performing professionally as a child while beginning her early musical education in Kathak dance. Through the help of her father, late Pundit Shankar Shripad Bodas, and her brother, late Pundit Kashinath Shankar Bodas, she began her studies in Khyal singing.

Her gurus are her father, Pandit Shankar Shripad Bodas who was a disciple of the legendary Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, and her brother, Pandit Kashinath Shankar Bodas. Her mentors include Padmashri Balwant Rai Bhatt, Pandit Vasant Thakar, and Pandit Gajananrao Joshi.

She has a BA in Vocal Performance, Sanskrit Literature, and English Literature from Kanpur University in 1968, a Masters (Sangeet Alankar) in Vocal Performance from A.B.G.M.V. Mandal in 1969, and Masters in Sanskrit from Kanpur University in 1979. She received Doctor of Music (Sangeet Praveen) in Vocal Performance from A.B.G.M.V. Mandal in 1988.

Awards

- Prize in the Vocal Classical category in the nationwide competition for artists under 25 years of age conducted by AIR (State-owned national radio network) in 1972.

- Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1993.

- Nominated for "Best Vocal Album of the Year (1993)", Album Immaculate Ragas (Rhythm House Classics) I SUMU Awards, Mumbai

Press

Critical Acclaim

“Captivating- took her audience to dizzy heights of evocation by her impassioned Khayal renditions” Times of India, 1986

“Imbued with tremendous melodic appeal” Indian Express, 1992

“Despite inclement weather, drew a phenomenal turnout - did much more than fulfill the expectations of her eager fans” Times of India, 1989

“A concert to remember- clear pronunciation- improvisation in keeping with word meanings- ability to develop an instant rapport with the audience” Times of India, 1995

“Unforgettable recital- superlative performance - (held) her listeners spellbound” Times of India, 1990

Sources

1. Biographical Information: http://www.it.iitb.ac.in/~hvs/Veena/index.html

2. Hinduonnet.com, by Mala Kumar http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2006/02/10/stories/2006021003230200.htm

3. Press http://www.unl.edu/raag/veena/Veena.html

External links

• Hindu.com
• Interview
• Appreciation talks
• Discography
• Recordings