Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar has garnered international acclaim as an artist in Hindustani classical and devotional music. In this podcast, he renders a raga and intricate sargam patterns and explains how music can uplift, inspire and provoke spiritual experiences.

Speaking with SBS Hindi, Pandit Abhyankar fondly recalled his milestone performance in October 1991 for 'Spirit of Unity concert for National Integration'. It streamed on Doordarshan, the Indian national TV channel, and became a turning point in his musical journey.

Demonstrating a depth of vocal techniques and creativity, he explained the structure of ragas and improvisation that have the capacity to elicit spiritual experiences.

"A masterful rendition of rāga is a re-enactment of a systematic prescribed formula and a spontaneous flow of consciousness. It establishes the relationship between music as entertainment and music as devotion," said the maestro.

Pt Sanjeev Abhyankar during one of his performance Source: Supplied / Sanjeev Abhyankar

Regarded as a child prodigy, Pandit Abhyankar, after taking initial training from his mother Dr Shobha Abhyankar, became the disciple of legendary Pandit Jasraj in the Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition.

He won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1999 for his song, 'Suno Re Bhaila', in the Hindi film, 'Godmother' and the Kumar Gandharva National Award 2008 from the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar will perform at the 2024 Melbourne Festival of Hindustani Classical Music.

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