Babulal Gandharva

PLAYS

Violin

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GHARANA

Kirana

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Babulal Gandharva is a Hindustani classical instrumentalist who plays the Bela Bahaar, an instrument of his own creation. He was born on 15 April 1951 in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. His father, Shri Kashiramji, was a well-known sarangi player of the state, and at the age of seven Babulal began learning vocal music and sarangi under his guidance. After his matriculation he learnt the violin under Pt. S.G. Ranade. Babulal settled permanently in Mumbai in 1979, and it was there that he created the Bela Bahaar, having felt that the sarangi his father played had certain shortcomings. A combination of violin and sarangi, the instrument has 22 sympathetic strings attached to a violin, giving it the tonal effect of the sarangi. It is well suited to ragdari sangeet, both as a solo and as an accompanying instrument. Babulal and his instrument were approved by AIR and Doordarshan, where he is an A grade artiste. In 1987 he had the opportunity to learn under Pt. Ram Narayan for about three years, an experience that gave him greater confidence. Today he accompanies well-known artistes at concerts.