Kumar Gandharva

Born - 1924
Died - 1992
Achievements - A renowned Indian Hindustani classical singer, the most unique feature about the singing style of Kumar Gandharva was that he refused to be circumscribed by the specific tradition and rules of a Gharana. He was a child prodigy and a genius at creating innovative compositions.

Kumar Gandharva was a renowned Indian Hindustani classical singer. He was born on 8 April 1924 and was originally named Shivaputra Siddramayya Komkali. The unique feature about the singing style of Kumar Gandharva was that he refused to be circumscribed by the specific tradition and rules of a Gharana. He was an innovative genius and started to be called "Kumar Gandharva" because he was a child prodigy. Myth logically, Gandharva is the god of music in the Hindu tradition.

Read further about the biography of Kumar Gandharva, who was born to a Kannadiga couple at Sulebhavi near Dharwad in the Indian state of Karnataka. Gandharva received his training in Indian classical music under Prof B R Deodhar during the 1930s and it did not take him long to establish his reputation as a prodigy. Kumar Gandharva got married during the 1940s and thereafter, shifted to Madhya Pradesh state. In his 20s then, Kumar Gandharva was struck by tuberculosis. Read on about the life history of Kumar Gandharva.

The first musical performance of Kumar Gandharva after his recovery from tuberculosis happened in the year 1953. It is said that ill health had majorly affected Kumar's voice in the coming years, who was famous for his power packed short phrases and a very high pitch. Though he may not have ascended the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries like Bhimsen Joshi, yet he enjoyed ample support and affection of own ardent fans.