Shri Dattatreya Velankar, a Hindustani musician from Bengaluru, India gave a touching keynote address at the vocal arangetram of his students Medha and Sadhika Hiremath held on August 6 at Concord, MA. “This arangetram is a tribute to my teacher Pandit Vinayak Torvi.” he said in all humility. Shri Dattatreya, a well-liked musician and graded artist of All India Radio is a popular vocalist of Hindustani classical and devotional music with several successful performances to his credit.  He spoke to Lokvani about his musical journey.

Were you born in a family of musicians? What was the environment at your home in terms of music?

My father, Sri Lakshmandas Velankar, is a well-known Keerthankar. The term “Katha Keerthan” means “musical discourse”. My mother, Smt. Meera Lakshmandas, used to sing devotional songs. I grew up in this musical environment. In my childhood, I used to do Katha Keerthan. This environment influenced me to learn Hindustani music and to pursue the subject as my research towards earning a doctorate degree in music. My research is about the influence of Indian Classical Music on Kathakeertan tradition. Kathakeertan is a combination of many art forms; stories, music, acting, oratory, and social message. This art form is popularly known by different names such as harikatha, kathakalakshepam and kathaprasangam.


What are the names of your teachers who trained you in Hindustani classical music? Apart from Gurus, are there are other musicians who have influenced your musical style?

Since 1993, I have been learning Hindustani Classical Music from the renowned Gwalior and Kirana Gharana vocalist, Pandit Vinayak Torvi. My Guruji’s guru, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi has influenced me immensely in my musical style.

Do you sing in the style of a particular gharana (school of music)? What are some special features of your gharana?

I follow the singing styles of Gwalior and Kirana Gharana (my Guruji is trained in both these Gharanas). Rather than following a single Gharana, Guruji incorporated the best of both the Gwalior and Kirana Gharanas. A structured presentation and layakari (play with rhythm) are some special features of the Gwalior Gharana. The note by note raag development and emphasis on alaap are some of the special features of Kirana Gharana. In my Guruji’s presentation, we can observe and experience both.

Apart from singing, do you play instruments and compose music?

I play the harmonium and am a self-taught tabla player. I composed a few devotional songs and light music songs. I have also written a few classical compositions.

Your students in Boston have given musical debut (arangetram) performance recently. How was the experience of training them for this event?

Medha and Sadhika Hiremath presented their musical debut concert on August 6, 2016. Another one of my students, Sai Keerthan Ekbote, is presenting his debut concert on September 3, 2016. The experience was very good and interesting. There is no difference between a student from America and a student from India. My students attended many musical performances. It helped them showcase themselves in a performance. Regular practice, practice with a live tabla, and monitored practice by a teacher also helped them in giving a concert. Instead of preparing for a specific event, I focus on the big picture and consider this as part of their lifelong musical journey. They may not take music as a career, but I encourage them to keep music as a serious hobby in the future.

In your opinion is being a full-time musician a difficult career choice? What are the rewards and challenges of a career in music?

It is a difficult choice, but definitely not an impossible choice. I am enjoying music as my career. Challenges are a part of any career, not just music. We can face challenges if we have great amounts of passion. Passion can diminish challenges. Regarding rewards, the three essential factors are good training, rigorous practice, and luck.

Do you have a dream to fulfill in life? How will you use your musical talents to make the world a better place?

Music is not only entertainment, but it is also a tool for enlightenment. Swami Vivekananda says, “Music is the highest art, and to those who understand, it is the highest worship”. Through music, one can attain inner peace and solitude. I can inspire others to join me in this peaceful journey and make the world a better place.

Do you have any upcoming performances in the Boston area?

I will be giving a workshop at LearnQuest Academy, 711 Main St in Waltham on devotional music on Saturday, August 20  between 9AM and 11AM. I will also perform a morning concert at Vedanta Society, 227 Angell St in Providence on Sunday, August 21 between 8:30AM and 10AM.

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