Darbar Festival begins with a double-bill where an alluring bansuri recital from Rupak Kulkarni is followed by a khayal vocal performance by Meeta Pandit.

In a career stretching across four decades Rupak Kulkarni – through dedicated practice and unwavering dedication – has cemented his reputation as one of India’s premier flautists. First learning the art of bansuri from his father, he blossomed under the tutelage of flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and is now considered a specialist in the dhrupad, khayal and tantrakari styles. Immerse yourself through his innovative improvisations with masterful breath control and dexterous finger work.

Meeta Pandit is a Hindustani (north Indian) classical vocalist belonging to the Gwalior Gharana tradition of music. She is both the granddaughter and disciple of Krishnarao Shankar Pandit and the sixth in her unbroken lineage. Joined for this performance by Mukundraj Deo (tabla) and Tanmay Deochake (harmonium) her melodious yet robust vocals will move you throughout three octaves in spellbinding fashion.