Bhawani Shankar

Born in 1956 in Mumbai, Shri Bhavani Shankar Kathak studied Pakhawaj-playing under his father Shri Babulal Kathak of the Jaipur gharana. Briefly, he has also received training under Shri Shivlalji Kathak. Over the years, Shri Bhavani Shankar has carved out a niche for himself in the field of Pakhawaj music. He accom- panied the eminent Kathak dancer Shrimati Sitara Devi on stage while still in his boyhood, and has since then played with masters of Hindustani music including Shri Bhimsen Joshi, Shri Hari Prasad Chaurasia, and Shri Jasraj. He is also a proficient Tabla artist, having received systematic training in the Ajrada style. Shri Bhavani Shankar plays a variety of percussion instruments such as the Dholak, Daf, Tumba, and Hudka. A versatile musician, Shri Bhavani Shankar is known as a composer in cinema and has released several albums of devotional music. He has also trained students both in the Tabla and Pakhawaj. He has received several honours for his work including the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Shri Bhavani Shankar receives the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribu- tion to Hindustani instrumental music.