‘Music changes, but we stick to classical’

"Music changes every 10 years but we stick to Indian classical music. We ensure that the spirit of the event is adhered to. One of the changes has been in the restrictions on timings," said Shrinivas Joshi, executive president of Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal.

Shrinivas Joshi.

From Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt Jasraj and Pt L Subramaniam to the Dhrupad Sisters, Amita Sinha Mahapatra, Janhavi Phansalkar and Anuja Borude (pakhawaj), and Carnatic Veena artiste Jayanthi Kumaresh, doyens of the world of Indian classical music will congregate in Pune for the 67th edition of Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, to be held from December 11 to 15. SHRINIVAS JOSHI, executive president of Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, the organiser of the festival, talks to The Indian express about the journey that is almost seven decades old.

How was the festival born and how did it grow to its present stature today?

Initially, it was not a festival but a gathering of musicians for a tribute to Pt Sawai Gandharva, who was the guru of my father Pt Bhimsen Joshi. His guru died in 1952, and some of his disciples paid a musical tribute to him that year, which continued every year. As my father was travelling and spending time with good musicians, he was bringing them to Pune. He nurtured three generations of listeners. In the mid-1960s, this took the shape of a festival but the spirit was still that of paying homage to the gurus.

Over the decades, music and society have changed. How has that impacted the festival?

Music changes every 10 years but we stick to Indian classical music. We ensure that the spirit of the event is adhered to. One of the changes has been in the restrictions on timings. Since 2001, there has been a restriction on playing loudspeakers after 10 pm. Accordingly, the duration of the performance has been changed. For many decades, the festival would be held for three nights but now we stick to 4 pm to 10 pm. The performances are also shorter. That, in a way, is a good thing as people present the best edited part of their music.

What is your earliest memory of the festival?

…As I grew up, I remember an informal time when there were no telephones or internet and reservations had to be done on the spot. Musicians would stay at our house or the house of some other member of the trust. As a child, I was also fascinated by the food stalls. In those days, eating out was not as common.

What is the new generation of musicians like?

Musicians have become more professional. Money and logistics play an important role, which is fair, as living standards have become demanding. Musicians invest their lives in a pursuit of excellence, so they should live decently. But, I feel this must be balanced. If somebody is organising a concert and you charge a high amount, it is not feasible. Sometimes, when musicians have some brand value, they expect more than they are worth. But, we try to adjust.

Is it difficult to get sponsorship?

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Earlier, we didn’t have to make an effort but now we do. It is true that listeners or viewers for lighter music and entertainment is going to be more in number, if you think in terms of sponsorship.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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