Music
Pandit Kamalakar Bhat was a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist and teacher, hailing from Sirsi in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, born on January 1, 1942. His musical heritage is deeply rooted in his family. His father, Sri Narasimha Bhat, was a renowned figure in dramatic arts and vocal music, receiving a Gold Medal from the Karnataka Government for his contributions. Kamalakar Bhat inherited his father’s musical talents, and by nature, he blossomed into an accomplished vocalist in the Hindustani tradition. From a young age, Bhat exhibited a keen interest in music, initially singing semi-classical film songs and bhajans. His passion for Hindustani classical music led him to seek formal training. At 16, he became the first student of Karnataka Kala Tilak, Sri G.S. Hegde Bellekeri, a renowned musician who had undergone rigorous training under the great Ustad Fiyaz Khan Saheb of the Agra Gharana and Mohana Rao Chikkaramane. This marked the beginning of his serious journey into classical music. His training in the “Gurukula” system shaped his understanding of music, both in vocal and instrumental forms.
Pandit Bhat also received guidance from other prominent musicians such as the late Pandit Ramrao Nayak and Sri Mohan Rao Chikkaramane. He began teaching music in 1962, and in 1972, he named it as Sanatana Shastreeya Sangeeta Vidyalaya. His school continued to follow the Gurukula tradition and offers a platform for budding musicians over 4 decades. Every year, the institution hosts the Sangeet Utsavas, inviting prominent artists from across India.
Bhat’s vocal concerts are known for their emotional depth, intricate laykari (rhythmic patterns), and the detailed elaboration of ragas. His performances showcase his expertise in Dhrupad, Dhamar, and other classical forms, often in collaboration with notable musicians such as Pt. Basavaraj Bendigeri, Pt. Raveendra Yavgal, and Pt. Raghunath Nalod. He was also a regular broadcaster from All India Radio Dharwad. In addition to his own performances, Pandit Bhat has trained numerous students, many of whom have gone on to become accomplished musicians.
Notable disciples include Smt. Lolita Hiregange in vocal music, Sri Kiran Bhat(his son) in vocal music, Sri Nagendra Hegde in flute, Sri Narayan Bhat in tabla, Arun Bhat (his son) in tabla, and Smt. Suma Bhat, a handicapped girl who has excelled in vocal music under his guidance. Pandit Kamalakar Bhat has earned numerous awards and honors from institutions across Karnataka, including the Bangalore Gayana Samaja, Gururao Deshpande Sangeeta Sabha, Fine Arts Academy, and Indian Medical Association, in recognition of his contributions to Hindustani classical music. His life and work continue to inspire and nurture the tradition of classical music, and he is respected as a teacher, performer, and mentor. Through his dedication and service, Pandit Kamalakar Bhat remained a significant figure in the classical music community, making substantial contributions to the perpetuation and growth of Hindustani music.
