Pt. Rupak Kulkarni

Pandit Rupak Kulkarni: A Maestro of Indian Classical Music

Rupak Kulkarni, an extraordinary flute maestro, stands as a vibrant testament to the timeless tradition of Indian classical music. His journey is one of profound mentorship and exceptional talent, having trained under the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

A Musical Lineage
Pandit Rupak Kulkarni hails from an illustrious musical lineage. As a child prodigy, music was blown into his breath by his father, the late Pandit Malhar Rao Kulkarni. Rupak blossomed under the finest tutelage of flute legend Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, becoming an outstanding exponent of the Maihar Gharana. His guru, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, is a disciple of Shrimati Annapurna Devi, daughter of the eminent Pandit Ravi Shankar’s Guru, Baba Allaudin Khan. As the first Ganda Bandh Shagird of Pt. Chaurasia since the tender age of 9, Rupak’s musical journey began with an unparalleled foundation.

Musical Brilliance and Innovation
Rupak Kulkarni's artistry is characterized by his unique ability to recreate and compose ragas, bringing a fresh sensuality and creativity to each performance. His training in Dhrupad and Khayal Gayaki allows him to infuse his recitals with a rare combination of melodious Aalap and scintillating Tatkar (tonguing technique used for Jhala). His innovative improvisations are accompanied by mesmerizing Layakari, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

Esteemed Performer
A top-grade artist of All India Radio, Rupak's first solo performance at the age of 11 in Darbar Hall, Baroda, left an indelible mark on 1500 music lovers. His concerts, a rare treat combining tradition and innovation, are revered not only by audiences but also by maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Global Presence
Pandit Rupak Kulkarni's performances grace prestigious music festivals worldwide, including Darbar Festival (UK), Asian Super Flautist Festival (Japan), Tansen Samaroh (India), Peshkar World Music Festival (India), Vishnu Digamber Paluskar Samaroh (India), Harvallabh Music Festival (India), Times of India 150 years celebration concerts, Ustad Amir Khan Samaroh (India), Sawai Gandharv Festival (India), Uttarpara Sangeet Chakra (India), Saptak Music Festival (India), Gunidas Sammelan (India) Hirabai Barodekar Smruti Samaroh (India), Sawai Gandharv Music Festival (India) Shruti Mandal (India) and many other noted music festivals in India and abroad.Rupak has his own distinct mark and also followers and fans. His flute concerts are regularly aired on All India Radio, World Space Radio and various TV channels such as Doordarshan, STAR TV, Zee TV, and CNN-IBN, In Sync. World Music Festival, Chicago and Learn Quest festival, Boston.

Academic Contributions
Currently, Rupak Kulkarni heads the flute department at Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Pune. He is also a principal guru on Gr8Masters, a global music education platform for Indian classical music, where his teachings on various ragas benefit students worldwide.

Innovations and Philanthropy
He founded the Pandit Rupak Kulkarni Music Foundation, which promotes Indian classical music globally through education, seminars, and events.
Rupak Kulkarni has launched the first-of-its-kind Flute Bandish App, RupVenu, available on both iOS and Android, featuring a vast collection of his raga compositions for the benefit of the global flute community at large.

Extensive Discography
His first music album, released at the age of 18, was aptly titled Tenderly, accompanied by Tabla maestro Pandit Anindo Chatterji. Since then, Rupak has released numerous albums through top-ranking music companies like Times Music, HMV, Navras, Plus Music, Rhythm House, Ninaad, ABCL's Big B, Sense World (London), and WorldWideRecords.

Film Contributions
Rupak Kulkarni has collaborated with numerous Hollywood and Bollywood music directors, contributing to the background scores of various films.

Awards and Achievements
- Sangeet Prakarsh Award by Bhavan’s Mumbai
- Top Grade Artist (All India Radio)
- Lecture Demonstrations at Trinity College of Music, London
- Concerts at Asian Super Flautist Festival in Japan

Pandit Rupak Kulkarni continues to enchant and inspire with his profound musicality, ensuring that the sublime art of Indian classical flute music resonates across generations and borders.