Ms Shruti Gokhale
Singer- Classical Music

1. Tell us something about yourself?
A. Hello! I am Shruti Gokhale. I come from a family of music lovers and so at a very tender age was inspired to sing by my parents. I could play the harmonium on my own. Often I used to take part in many competitions conducted by schools and colleges and also took part in various programs.

I was born and brought up in the village where there was no proper music training facility and travelling was a problem. Only due to my keen interest in classical music I continued to learn and improve day by day.

2. Since from when have you been in this field? How did the interest develop?
A. The interest for music developed at a very young age from the time I was in school, but soon after marriage marital responsibilities took over for about 10 to 11 years and I found it difficult to pursue my music.

My guru Mrs. Shubdha Paradkar trained me in three schools of music i.e. Gwalior, Agra and Jaipur. Currently I am taking lessons from Pt. Arun Kashalkar also. From the 8th standard I started appearing for Gandharva Mahavidyalaya exams and I completed my Sangeet Visharad when I was completing my S.Y.B.com.

3. What has been your achievement in this field?
A.I have received many prizes, notably, 1st prize in Classical Music competitions held by Lok Hitwadi Mandal- Nasik where I was the youngest (18 years old) among all the participants. I received 1st prizes in other competitions also like Gunidas Sangeet Competition, Ville Parle Music Circle competition and Bhajan Competition held by ETV etc. I stood first in Sangeet Alankar examination all over India.

I have performed at many places in Thane, Mumbai, Parbhani, Kolhapur etc.in Maharashtra.The notable among them are Nehru Center, Panvel Music Circle, Ram Marathe Smriti Samaroha. Outside Maharashtra I have performed at places like Ahmedabad, Surat, Banaras, Jabalpur, Jaipur (Shashi Mohan Bhatt Smruti Samaroh), Raipur ,Sirsi, Bangalore, Kundgol (Sawai Gandharva Mahotsava), New Delhi (India International Centre), and abroad at Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

4. Would you like to share some special moment associated in this field?
A. The people at Banglore even foreigners were very appreciative. Mrs. N. RajamJi blessed and appreciated me after a recording for Cable TV in Thane. I also received the blessings and appreciation from Pt. Babanrao Haladankar after a concert. People were overwhelmed after my performance.

5. Give us an insight about the performances you have done?
A. People also do appreciate my cassette Bhajan Rang wherever I go. I also sing Abhangas, Bhajans and Gawalans. I have a large collection of Gawlans (Marathi folk songs). All India Radio and Doordarshan have also featured me in various programmes. I present Khayal in different & rare Taals i.e. Tilwada, Zoomra, Aada Choutal. Thumri & tappa, which is rarely sung, are very much appreciated by audience.

6. What is the percentage of work satisfaction that you get?
A. I get a lot of work satisfaction from my performance & looking at the enthusiasm on people's faces makes me happy. But I still feel I have yet a long way to go. I know I am on the right path but I haven't reached the horizon yet.

7.What is your future plans?
A. I want to present my music in as many concerts as possible. My audio cassette- Bhajan Rang which was released in November 2001.Its cost is Rs 50/- only. It has done very well and nearly 350 cassettes are sold. This has inspired me to make more music cassettes.

8. Any message to the Thaneites?
A. Thane is a paradise city for Kalakars & Artists. People over here are connoisseurs of music.

As told to Thaneweb.com