The echoes of classical melodies filled the air of Gayatri Gaikwad Gulhane’s childhood home long before she ever held a microphone. Born into a family where music was not just a tradition but a way of life, Gayatri’s journey into the world of classical music was inevitable. Guided by the wisdom of legendary musicians such as Pandit Surve and Pandit Gaikwad, she grew up surrounded by rhythms and ragas that would shape her destiny. Even after the passing of her father two years ago, the teachings of these esteemed gurus continue to guide her, ensuring that the music in her life never fades.
Her earliest memories are interwoven with melodies. At just three or four years old, she began performing at local programs, her voice already carrying the promise of something extraordinary. Her elder brother, Ramakant Gaikwad, is also a classical singer, making music a shared language within the family. Their father, a distinguished classical vocalist, was deeply devoted to bhajans, being a part of the Warkari Sampraday, a spiritual movement known for its musical expressions of faith. Music wasn’t merely a performance for the Gaikwad family; it was worship, a sacred offering passed down through generations.
From an early age, Gayatri accompanied her father to bhajan programs and classical performances, absorbing the intricacies of each note and rhythm. As she grew older, she developed a deep appreciation for Ghazals and Thumris. By the time she completed her 12th grade, these genres had become her passion, and for the past decade, she has immersed herself in their delicate nuances. Her training, deeply rooted in the Patiala Gharana, was rigorous, shaped by the same traditions that once guided her grandfather and father before her.
Her first performance was in Alandi, a place that holds deep spiritual significance in Maharashtra. It was a momentous occasion—sharing the stage with her brother, stepping into the spotlight that had once belonged to her ancestors. Though only a year and a half apart in age, their bond was strengthened through music, their voices weaving together in harmony. This legacy was carefully nurtured within the family, ensuring that each generation carried forward the rich traditions of their Gharana.
Apart from her vocal training, Gayatri learned to play the Harmonium and gained a foundational understanding of dance, adding depth to her performances. She has composed music for several devotional and classical pieces, particularly Abhangs and Gavalans. Many of these compositions have been recorded, earning her recognition within the classical music fraternity. Her dedication to the art has been acknowledged with high grades in Ghazals and Thumris from Akashvani (All India Radio), along with top rankings in Abhangs and other devotional genres.
Her father instilled in her a crucial lesson: music is not just about melody; it is about emotion. Understanding the meaning of the lyrics is just as important as mastering the notes. A Raga must complement the emotions of a song—deeply melancholic verses cannot be set to a raga meant for joy. Though folk music is not her primary focus, she deeply appreciates its role in shaping her understanding of rhythm and tone, elements that enrich her compositions.
Gayatri’s talent took her beyond Maharashtra at a young age. When she was in 6th or 7th grade, she performed at a Ganpati festival in Hyderabad, leading a group rendition of Abhangs and Gavalans alongside her brother. As the years passed, her career reached new heights, with one of her most significant milestones occurring in 2018—an invitation to perform at ‘Khazana,’ Mumbai’s prestigious Ghazal festival founded by Pankaj Udhas. Sharing the stage with luminaries such as Kaushiki Chakraborty, Anup Jalota, Richa Sharma, and Rekha Bhardwaj, she found herself in the company of legends. The experience was both humbling and affirming, reinforcing her belief in the power of ghazals. Even after the passing of Pankaj Udhas, his daughter Nayab Udhas has continued to uphold the festival’s legacy, providing artists like Gayatri with a revered platform.
Beyond ‘Khazana,’ she has been honored with the Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Scholarship for classical music and has graced major concerts across India, including Delhi and Goa. A standout moment was her performance at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Delhi, curated by the esteemed Shubha Mudgal. It was a defining moment, as her Ghazal recital found a place among the country’s finest artistic expressions. Internationally, she performed in Malaysia just six months ago, presenting Bhajans and devotional music alongside reality show artist Jagdish Iwari. Her collaborations with fellow artists, including Ujwal Gajbar, have further expanded her musical horizons.
Despite her extensive stage experience, a flicker of nervousness always lingers before she steps into the limelight. But the moment she begins to sing, any apprehension melts away, replaced by the sheer joy of performing. She has noticed how different audiences engage with her music—Ghazal listeners absorb each word in quiet reflection, while Bhajan audiences immerse themselves in devotion, responding with fervor. Both reactions hold a special place in her heart, each performance an exchange of emotions between the artist and the audience.
Gayatri is optimistic about the growing recognition of folk music, appreciating the efforts of those who document and promote traditional art forms. She believes that as more people take an interest, these art forms will continue to thrive. Although she does not write her own lyrics, she carefully selects poetry that resonates deeply. One of her favorite Ghazals beautifully encapsulates life’s uncertainties:
“Flowers bloom in the garden; sometimes they wither; Your ways, O Lord, are beyond understanding.”
The unpredictability of life with its moments of joy and sorrow is something she deeply relates to. She understands the struggles that many young artists face—financial instability often forces them to abandon their musical dreams in search of steady careers. Unlike traditional education, where degrees guarantee employment, music is a lifelong pursuit that demands patience and perseverance.
Yet, for Gayatri, there was never another path. Music is not just her profession—it is her soul’s calling, the heartbeat of her existence. And as long as she sings, her father’s legacy, her gurus, and her Gharana will continue to thrive, resonating through every note, reaching hearts far beyond the stage.
