Shashwati Mandal upholds the finest aspects of the Gwalior gharana, the oldest surviving style of khayal singing. She was born into a family of successful musicians - her grandfather Balabhau Umdekar 'Kundalguru' was a Scindias court musician in pre-Independence times.

On her Uk debut concert in 2008 she is accompanied by Shahbaz Hussain (tabla) and Ajay Joglekar (harmonium).

Learn more about the music:
Shashwati performs Raag Yaman Kalyan followed by stunning tappas in Raag Khamaj & Raag Sohini in her signature Gwalior style and two taranas in her UK debut concert. Shashwati elaborates the tappas with complex patterns typical of her gharana.

About The Artist:
Shashwati initially trained under her mother Kamal Mandal. Between 1987-1992 she received a national scholarship from the department of Culture in India, enabling her to study ‘Tappa’ and ‘Khayal’ style with the veteran musician Pandit Balasaheb Poonchwale. A foremost disciple of Balasaheb. He quest for more knowledge in music brought Shashwati under the expert guidance of Pandit Madup Mudgal, Purnima Choudary and Gundecha Brothers.

Musicians:
- Shashwati Mandal (khayal & tappa)
- Shahbaz Hussain (tabla)
- Ajay Joglekar (harmonium)

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