Devaki Pandit is a famed playback and classical singer of India. At the tender age of nine years, she started performing Hindustani classical music on stage. At the age of twelve years she made her first recording. The world of music was unfolded to Devaki Pandit by her mother Smt Usha Pandit. Devaki Pandit has also composed a number of soulful renditions. She has been honoured with several awards for her valuable contribution to the music world.
Early Life of Devaki Pandit
Devaki Pandit was born to Usha Pandit in the state of Maharashtra. In her family, she is the third generation musician. She began her music training from her mother and later received training from Vasantrao Kulkarni for about ten years. She also got trained under the tutelage of Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki for twelve years and Kishori Amonkar for four years. She is undergoing training under the expert tutelage of vocalist Pt. Babanrao Haldankar since 2003.
Career of Devaki Pandit
Devaki Pandit got her first break on the recommendation of Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar in a programme that was made for Doordarshan. Since then Devaki Pandit became famous in the realm of Indian classical music. The voice of Devaki Pandit started creating the magic on her audiences all over the world. She has executed her renditions on the invitation of highly esteemed institutes. Apart from that she has also lent her voice in many films. She has bagged the honour of working with several renowned music directors. But Devaki Pandit never attempted to shift her focus from the Indian classical music. An individual style of `gayaki` has been developed and nurtured by her and with this gayaki she has mesmerized her audiences all over the world.
Renditions of Devaki Pandit
Some of her renditions of Devaki Pandit that have received well appreciations throughout the world are "Daayi Aankh Bole" from the film "Daayra"; "Phir bhor bhayee jaaga madhuban" from the film "Saaz"; "Raag Baageshri" from her classical album named "Inner Soul"; Bhajan "Sai Se Lagan Kathin Hai.." from "Inner Soul"; The ghazal "Aankhonse Baatein..." with Hariharan in the album "Halka Nasha"; "Krishna Jal Mein.." and "Shyam Ki Ratt Ab Lagi..." from her album Vrindavan, music composed by Shrinivas Khale; "Sanwaren Rang raanchi" and "Bhayee Hun Baawaree.." from her album "Mohane man Harayu". She has also exhibited her excellence through the Bhajans. Devaki Pandit has also executed bhajans written by Ramdas Swamiji in the album "Shyam Rang"; shlokas in "Upanishad Amrut"; along with Shankar Mahadevan (music by Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma). Other films in which Devaki Pandit has sung are: "Kabhi Haan, Kabhi Naa" with Jatin -Lalit, "Betaabi" with Vishal Bharadwaj, "Guddu" with Naushad Ali. An Album called "Aradhana Mahakali" has also been released by her. She has composed the music of this album to her credit.
Achievements of Devaki Pandit
Devaki Pandit for her outstanding contribution to the realm of music, has been conferred many highly esteemed accolades. For two consecutive years, she has been the only recipient of the esteemed `Kesarbhai Kerkar Scholarship`. In the year 1986, she has been conferred the Maharashtra State Award for Best Female Playback Singer. This award was given to her for the film `Ardhangi`. In the year 2002, she was also given the Maharashtra Government`s Best Female Playback Singer Award. In a consecutive manner for the year 2001 and year 2002, she has been conferred the `Alpha Gaurav Puraskar`. In the year 2002, Devaki Pandit has been given the `Mewati Gharana Award`. An enchanting performance in "Ninaad", a classical music programme was given by Devaki Pandit. The programme was aired on the Star Plus channel.
