Dhondutai Kulkarni

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Smt. Dhondutai Kulkarni
Background information
Birth name	Dhondu Kulkarni
Born	July 23, 1927 (1927-07-23) (age 80)
Origin	Kolhapur, India
Genre(s)	Khayal, Bhajans, Thumris
Occupation(s)	Hindustani Classical Music
Instrument(s)	Vocal
Years active	1935 - Present

Smt. Dhondutai Kulkarni, (born July 23rd, 1927) is perhaps the last living icon of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. The legendary Ustad Alladiya Khan, who founded the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, made this Gharana unique by its full-throated singing, its complicated Taans, and its vast repertoire of Raags, which Smt. Dhondutai Kulkarni represents very well.

[edit] Early life

She was born in a Brahmin family in the in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Dhondutai's father initiated her into music. From him she became an AIR performing artiste at the age of eight. She then started training under Ustad Bhurji Khan, whose father, Ustad Alladiya Khan, had a special care for Dhondutai, and it was not uncommon to find her sitting next to the legendary performer at music festivals. Her training continued under the mentorship of Smt. Laxmibai Jadhav. Thereafter, she spent a long number of years under the immensely distinguished knowledge of Smt. Kesarbai Kerkar, ending up as her sole disciple.

[edit] Repetoire

Her incredible repertoire of ragas sees to it that she rarely repeats a raga at two consecutive concerts. Dhondutai knows specialty Raag creations made not just by Ustad Alladiya Khan but also Smt. Kesarbai Kerkar. At 74, Dhondutai is saluted not just for her musical contributions, but also for her quality as a performing artist.

[edit] Awards & Recognition

Dhondutai has been awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1990. She also has been invited to the "Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar Sangeet Sammelan" since its beginnings, she sings last at the concert.