Violin by Pandit Milind Raikar

The first event of our 10th anniversary mini-festival will feature an afternoon of exquisite violin by Pandit Milind Raikar. He will be accompanied by Pandit Jagadeesh Kurthkoti on Tabla.

ARTIST BIOS:

Pandit Milind Raikar is a renowned Hindustani Classical violinist hailing from Goa, known for his melodious, soulful and distinctive style of playing.

He first performed on stage as a singer at just five years old, before taking up the violin. Although initially trained in Western classical music, Milind ji’s deep inclination remained towards Hindustani classical music. Encouraged by his father, Shri Atchut Raikar, he began his initial training in Hindustani Classical under him, and subsequently learnt from Pandit B. S. Math of Dharwad and Pandit Vasantrao Kadnekar of Goa. He was awarded a scholarship by the Kala Academy of Goa and, in 1986, came to Mumbai for advanced training under the legendary violinist Padmashri Pandit D. K. Datar, a leading exponent of the Gwalior Gharana. Under his guidance, Milind ji developed a rich command of the violin, particularly the gayaki-ang (vocal style) of playing.

A significant chapter in his musical journey began when Vd Kishori Amonkar recognised his talent and took him under her guidance. He became her dedicated disciple and accompanying violinist, performing with her all over India and internationally. His style has evolved into a unique synthesis of the musical traditions imparted by his distinguished Gurus, marked by a soothing, soulful and deeply expressive quality. Milind ji has performed extensively across India and internationally in the USA, Germany, Switzerland, France, UAE, Muscat and East African countries.

He has received several honours, including the Gold Medal at the All India Radio competition in 1989, the title of Sur Mani from Sur Singer Sansad, and the Yuvonmesh Puraskar 2005 from Indradhanu Thane. He is a graded artist of All India Radio and holds Visharad and Alankar qualifications from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Miraj.

In 2006, he established the Raikar Academy of Violin – Pandit D. K. Datar Parampara to preserve and promote Hindustani classical violin, particularly the gayaki-ang tradition, and to pass this musical legacy on to younger generations in India and abroad.

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Shri Jagadeesh Kurthkoti is a versatile musician, renowned Tabla artist, and distinguished composer. His received his initial training in Tabla under Sri. Praveen D. Rao, and further honed his skills under Pandit Udayraj Karpoor. He also studied Carnatic music rhythm with Vid. Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma and is currently receiving advanced talim from Pandit Yogesh Samsi.

He has been honored with titles such as the Swara Kala Gourav Puraskaar from Saraswati Sangeeta Vidyalaya, Bengaluru and has accompanied numerous musicians, as well as performing solo in India and internationally. Jagadeesh ji brings together the aesthetic understanding of music, mastery of taal, and strong command of laya to bring a distinctive blend of technical mastery and musical sensitivity to his performances.