Asha Khadilkar
Shrimati Asha Khadilkar is a Mumbai, India based vocalist renowned for her specialization in Indian(Hindustani) Classical, Semi-Classical and Devotional Music including Natya-sangeet.
Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, India in 1955 , Asha took her first lessons in music under the guidance of Late Shri. Balkrishnabuva Mohite and rendered her first live concert in Classical Music at the age of thirteen. After moving to Mumbai in 1975 after marriage, Asha honed her talent and skills under the guidance of the legendary Marathi singer Late Padmashree Manik Varma.
With exemplary command over a plethora of different Indian musical forms, Asha has won millions of hearts across India and abroad alike. She has consciously adapted to the best flavours of Gwalior,Kiranaand Agra gharanas,under the guidance of several music maestros such as Pandit Yashwantbuva Joshi, Pandit Shankar Abhyankar, Padmavati Shaligram, Late Padmashree Jitendra Abhisheki, Late Vasantrao Deshpande. Along with her penchant for Classical Music, Khadilkar is well-known for her command over Traditional Marathi 'Natya Sangeet' and Bhajans.
Asha has also demonstrated her creative flair for music direction and classical bandish compositions. Asha has been at her innovative best by conceptualizing various thematic programmes such as “Hori Rang Rangilee”, “Sawan – Rang”, “Ritu – Rang” and “Rachanakar-ko-pranam”. She has always been active in spreading the soul of Indian Classical Music through organizations such as "Spic Macay". Asha continues to coach young aspirants in Indian Classical Vocal music.
Since 1994, Asha along with her husband Shri Madhav Khadilkar are spearheading 'Uttung Sanskrutik Pariwar', a cultural organization in Mumbai and Thane for providing a stage to upcoming talent in the field of Music, Dance, Theatre and Literature and to honour deserving people with 'Uttung Award' to recognize their significant contribution to any of these art forms.
Awards & Recognition
Awarded for contribution to Semi-Classical Music by Government of Maharashtra Cultural Wing
'Swar-Ratna' Award by Marathi TV channel 'Sahyadree'
Padmashree Manik Verma Award
Pandit Kumar Gandharva Award
Natasamrat Bal Gandharva Award at the hands of the legendary singer Late Smt Hirabai Badodekar
'Best Music Composer in Marathi Theatre' award by Government of Maharashtra
Felicitation by Government of Maharashtra on International Women's Day
Several solo performances on All India Radio, Doordarshan
Celebrity Judge on popular Marathi Musical Contents on ETV Marathi, Sahyadree and Zee Marathi
Prominent Music Festivals and Contribution
Sawai Gandharva Music Festival, Pune
Spirit of Unity Concerts for National Integration, Hyderabad
BMM Convention, US
Lecture & Demonstration workshops to college students on the topics related to Indian Classical Music
Several renowned Indian recording companies such as HMV, Tips, Polydor have released Asha's audiocassettes and CDs in Indian classical as well as light and devotional music. She has also performed in UK, US and Canada on numerous occasions including at the Bi-annual BMM Convention in Baltimore,MA in 1993 and in Seattle,WA in 2007.