Pune vocalist Nandini Rao Gujar receives Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

The ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’, instituted in 2006, is awarded annually by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The award celebrates the contributions of promising young artistes in the fields of music, dance, drama, and traditional arts.

Speaking about the recognition, Nandini Rao Gujar expressed her gratitude, saying, “Receiving the ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ is an incredible honour and encouragement for me. Despite being away from South India, this recognition validates my efforts in the realm of Carnatic music. This award has inspired me to continue my journey in classical music.”

A musical journey rooted in passion and dedication
Born in Hassan, Karnataka, Nandini Rao Gujar began her musical journey at the age of two and a half. “I had an uncanny ability to pick up tunes and repeat them with perfect pitch, simply by listening to what I heard on the radio or TV,” she recalls. Despite coming from a non-musical family, her parents recognised her talent early on and formalised her training in Carnatic music when she was seven.

Nandini received her initial training under Prasanna Venkatesh, BR Sridhar, and Ranjani Gayatri, and is currently guided by Vidushi Professor Nagamani Srinath. Reflecting on her gurus’ impact, she said, “Each one has contributed to my growth in unique ways. Beyond my gurus, I also find inspiration in everyone I listen to—whether they are senior artists or my peers. Learning from my own mistakes has also played a key role in refining my style over time.”

Nandini acknowledges the challenges of pursuing a classical music career as a young artist from a non-musical background. “The absence of social media during my early years made gaining visibility difficult. However, it allowed me to immerse myself deeply in traditional classical music, focusing entirely on my riyaz,” she said.

She credits her hard work and dedication for overcoming these challenges. “I believe that when you don’t look for shortcuts and remain committed to your craft, hard work becomes your strongest ally,” she added.

Blending tradition with innovation
Nandini’s musical repertoire extends beyond Carnatic music to include Hindustani, Sugam Sangeet, folk and devotional music. She performs devotional music in over 12 Indian languages, striving to make it more relatable to modern audiences while preserving its cultural essence. “My concerts aim to offer a pan-Indian devotional experience, incorporating music in Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and more,” she shared.

Currently, she is working on a project titled Devotional Colours of India, blending traditional Indian ragas with devotional themes from various Indian languages. She is also collaborating with artistes to fuse Indian classical and contemporary music.

As a daughter, wife, mother and artiste, Nandini emphasises the importance of balance. “I ensure that I allocate time for my family and personal well-being without compromising on my musical commitments. Music itself is therapeutic for me, and my practice sessions are moments of introspection,” she said.

Looking to the future, she hopes to be remembered as an artist who stayed true to Indian classical music while making it accessible to new generations. “My legacy, I hope, will be one of devotion, innovation, and contribution to preserving this timeless art form,” she stated.

Nandini encouraged audiences to embrace music as a source of joy and cultural connection. “Classical music and devotional music are not just art forms; they are ways to experience the divine and understand our roots. Together, we can ensure that this beautiful tradition continues to flourish,” she said.

With the recognition from the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, Nandini Rao Gujar continues to inspire with her dedication, artistry, and passion for Indian classical and devotional music.