A gem of Gwalior Gharana

MYSURU: Renowned Hindustani vocalist Pandit Uttam Kumar, a student for late Pandit Puttaraja Gavai, though bereft of sight since birth, has emerged as maestro of the Gwalior Gharana.
He trained under Shakuntala Bai Shantharam Chigari and her husband Shantharam Chigari. Later, he relocated to Gadag to join Veereshwara Punyashram. Under the guidance of Pandit Puttaraja Gavayi for about 10 years, he emerged as a maestro of the Gwalior Gharana.His rendition is known for maintaining the purity of the raaga.
Presentation of complicated raagas with ease accuracy of taala and laya has been the hallmark of Uttam Kumar's singing. Commencing Khayal Gayan by non-Thom alaap is one of the observed features of his rendition.
One can notice the influence of stalwarts like Pandit Omkarnath Thakur, Pandit DV Paluskar, Pandit Vinayak Patavardahan and Pandit Narayar Rao Vyaas in his singing.
He has been showered with rightful applause for his performance across the country.
He resides in an ashram in Alandi village, Maharashtra, and also devotes his time to train talented disciples. He is against performance of western and Hindustani music on the same platform, but appreciated the former for its popularity.
"Westerners want to learn Hindustani music but our own people are not making effort to learn our music. Our people should come forward and start giving importance to Hindustani music," said Uttam.
Niranjan, who was also a student of Puttaraja Gavayi and instrumental in bringing Uttam Kumar to Mysuru, said, "Pandit Uttam's talent is appreciated even appreciated by late Puttaraja Gavayi. He is a multifaceted singer. His dedication towards Hindustani music is immense."
Uttam Kumar mesmerized the audience with his performance at Rangayana on Saturday.