Kishori Amonkar

Biography:

Kishori Amonkar, born on April 10, 1932, was a prominent Indian classical vocalist hailing from the renowned Jaipur gharana. Recognized as one of India’s foremost classical singers, she ventured into the genres of khyal, thumri, and bhajan, showcasing a versatile musicality.

Amonkar’s initial music training came from her mother, Mogubai Kurdikar, a classical vocalist from the Jaipur gharana. Her rigorous training involved meticulous repetition of phrases, shaping the foundation of Amonkar’s musical journey. Later, she expanded her knowledge under the guidance of tutors from various gharanas, including Anjanibai Malpekar, Anwar Hussain Khan, Sharadchandra Arolkar, and Balkrishnabuwa Parwatkar.

Challenging the confines of gharanas, Amonkar reshaped her Jaipur gharana performance by incorporating elements from other traditions. Her approach, emphasizing emotional expression over tradition, led to both acclaim and criticism. Amonkar rejected the notion of gharanas limiting a singer’s technique, stating that while rooted in Jaipur gharana, she embraced variations.

Philosophy and Contributions: