A 48-year-old artist from Banaras, Dr Mannu Yadav, has been learning music through various folk art forms such as Biraha and Kajri. He began to learn music taking inspiration from his father, who picked up singing as a hobby. He has been working hard towards achieving mastery in his craft and perseveres the form with rising passion and dedication, as he also completed his MA in music. He believes that music has been an integral part of his life since he discovered his talent and began having a fondness for mastering the art of singing and storytelling. When he was a child, he tried imitating his father and thus picked up the will to sing and never stopped learning. Dr Mannu also knows how to play various instruments such as Dholak and Khartaal apart from possessing the impressive vocal ability and has performed in several locations around the Globe. He was honoured with the Ustaad Bismillah Khan National Award in 2007 and performed at various festivals to galvanize the crowds. Jogging down his memory lane, he shares the most memorable experience that he has had at the Nehru-Wangchuk Center in Bhutan. He cherishes this performance and considers it to be amongst his best ones. He is a deeply educated individual and holds two doctoral degrees in the field of commerce. Besides that, he has also achieved a Grade-B High Status at the All India Radio and regularly presents his music for Aakashwani. Being such a coveted musician, he now passes on his knowledge to the younger generation, including many of his group members, to teach them and help preserve the local art forms of Uttar Pradesh.
- Purvanchal
- Uttar Pradesh