A fine exponent of the Gwalior style, Shashwati’s musical dexterity marks a refined eclecticism that has lent her an individualistic style at a fairly young age. Born into a family devoted to music, Shashwati showed rare sensitivity towards it from early childhood. She is Grand-daughter of the late Pt. Balabhau Umdekar, the erudite exponent of the Gwalior style of classical Hindustani music and a court musician of the Gwalior State.

Shashwati initially trained under her mother Smt. Kamal Mandal. Between 1987-1992 she received a national scholarship from the department of Culture in India, enabling her to study ‘Tappa’ and ‘Khyal’ style with the veteran musician Pt. Balasaheb Poonchwale. A foremost disciple of Balasaheb, Shashwati has acquired under his tutelage an able hold on the subtle complexity of ‘Tappa’. She also continued to be inspired by her mother whose steady guidance has groomed her into an accomplished performer. Quest for more knowledge in music brought Shashwati under the expert guidance of Pt.Madup Mudgal, vidushi Smt Purnima Choudary and Gundecha Brothers.

Shashwati is a much celebrated artist, receiving recognition across the globe for her work. In 2009 Shashwati was nominated by Songlines magazine in the category ‘Best newcomer’ and ‘best artist’ for her album ‘Tappa Journey’ released by sense world music in the U.K. She has also bagged Five Star review status by Songlines magazine U.K, and has been awarded the title Surmani by sur singar samsad Mumbai, and the Mani Mann fellowship by Sanskriti foundation New Delhi. 

For this concert Shaswati is accompanied by Chinmay Kolhatkar, Harmonium, and Gurdain Rayatt, Tabla. 

 

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