Ragamala Lights 2026: *Featured Artist* Smt. Bharathi Prathap (Khayal Vocal Concert)

Born and raised in Bengaluru, Smt. Bharathi Prathap was initiated into Carnatic classical music at seven by her parents. Encouraged by her uncle, Bharathi switched over to Hindustani classical music. She has been groomed under the guidance of the late Pt. Maruti Rao Inamdar and the late Pt. Rama Rao V Naik, a doyen of the Agra Gharana. She also trained in Bhavageethe & Vachana gaayana by the late Sri H.K. Narayana, who inspired her to give up a career as an electronics engineer and take up music as her main pursuit. Her musical career took a major leap after she came to study under Vidushi Lalith J Rao, an outstanding exponent of the Agra-Atrauli Gharana, who gave her intensive training in the traditional Agra gayaki from 2000. Bharathi is a recipient of numerous awards and is a graded artist of AIR and Doordarshan. She has performed at major music events like Sawai Gandharva, Dover Lane and more.

She will be accompanied by Yogeesh Bhat on Tabla. Yogeesh began tabla lessons at the age of 4 from Vid. Bhaskar Hegde Muttige and later studied with Pt. Madivalayya Sali. Presently he is taking advanced training from internationally renowned tabla artiste Pt. Ravindra Yavagal and Sri Kiran Yavagal. Yogeesh’s keen interest in innovation led him to foray into Carnatic music and fusion music. He is currently undertaking training in the Carnatic thala system under Vid. K. U. Jayachandra Rao. Yogeesh holds a bachelors degree in engineering and has also received training in Hindustani violin and vocals. He has won multiple musical and talent awards. and has accompanied major artists at all the renowned venues in India and overseas.

Sarang Kulkarni will accompany the artist on the Harmonium. His musical journey began at an early age with a strong musical lineage. He learned from his father, Pt. Dr. Sudhanshu Kulkarni, an internationally renowned scholar musician, and his mother, Mrs. Rohini Kulkarni. Sarang extensively refined his skills for 15 years under the late Pt. R.K. Bijapure. Presently he is taking guidance from Ad Ravindra Mane, a senior disciple of Pt.R.K.Bijapure. Sarang holds a an MBA degree in addition to his musical accomplishments. He holds a Sangeet Visharad degree and later received an M.A. in Harmonium. Sarang is an 'A' grade artiste of AIR. He has given a number of solo concerts, participated in jugalbandis and accompanied many stalwarts in India and abroad.