SHOBHANA RAO & SHAILA HATTANGADI

(Light Classical & Ghazal artistes)

Enjoy a unique form of music through Ghazals, Geets, Bhajans, other light classical forms such as Thumris, Kajris, Dadras, as well as catchy Folk numbers and nostalgic old film songs from the melodious voices of Shobhana Rao & Shaila Hattangadi.

Shobhana and Shaila are sisters, and, received their initial training in music from their mother Mira Gulwadi, who was a noted classical vocalist from All India Radio, Allahabad, Shobhana and Shaila later received training and guidance from several musical luminaries, which has honed their performances into a fine art.

Shobhana later learnt from Pt Raghunath Seth, the noted flautist, Shri Gowri Shankar, and, learnt classical music initially from Pt. Amarnath, later is being guided by Bholanath Mishra of Benaras, as well as Shanti Hiranand for Thumris. Her light music mentor is Mohinder Sarin from Delhi.

Shaila after her initial training was tutored into the finer points of light music by no less than the legendary film music composer of yesteryears, Jaidev ji, in Mumbai under whose tutelage she polished her singing stlye in the riwayati andaz, or the traditional mode of rendering. She is now being groomed by Pt. Chandrashekhar Rele of Mumbai in the finer points of light classical music.

Based on the north Indian system of classical music Shobhana and Shaila are both gifted with melodious voices, commanding range over the octaves, and compelling mastery over rhythm, which they bring to best use in their performances. Shobhana and Shaila together with their other 2 siblings lead a group that has been performing highly successful theme based concerts which have become very popular, such as Barsan Laage Badariya, which are songs based on the monsoon season, and, Kesar Ki Udath Puhaar, songs based on the colourful festival of Holi signalling the advent of spring. Their individual music albums have been released by prestigious labels such as Magnasound, HMV, CBS and the like. They have sung for many tele-serials, films and many important occasions.

Having frequently featured in most prestigious concerts and festivals in the country Shobhana and Shaila have captivated and enthralled audiences in the USA, Canada, U.K., Sweden, France, Belgium, Germany, as well as in Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Nepal, and have now recently performed in Mauritius and South Africa. Shobhana and Shaila are both placed in the Top grade of All India Radio and Doordarshan (TV), which is their highest category of gradation in music.