| Dhondutai Kulkarni | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Dhondu Kulkarni |
| Born | 23 July 1927 |
| Origin | Kolhapur, India |
| Genres | Khyal, Bhajan |
| Occupations | Hindustani classical music |
| Instruments | singing |
| Years active | 1935 - Present |
Dhondutai Kulkarni, (born 23 July 1927) is perhaps the last living icon of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. The legendary 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 Dhondutai Kulkarni represents very well.
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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 Bhurji Khan, whose father, 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 Laxmibai Jadhav. Thereafter, she spent a long number of years under the immensely distinguished knowledge of Kesarbai Kerkar, ending up as her sole disciple.
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 Alladiya Khan but also Kesarbai Kerkar. At 74, Dhondutai is saluted not just for her musical contributions, but also for her quality as a performing artist.
Dhondutai has been awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990.[1] She also has been invited to the "Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar Sangeet Sammelan" since its beginnings, she sings last at the concert.
Namita Devidayal's book "The Music Room" chronicles a significant part of Dhondutai's life, music and career. Namita is one of Dhondutai's students and learned from her over a period of 25 years. The book talks about the life and music of Alladiya Khan, Kesarbai Kerkar and Dhondutai.