Pandit A K Abhyankar
Singer, Disciple of the doyen of the Kirana Gharana

Tell us something about your profile?
I was born in Konkan, and passed my SSC in 1954. I worked with Bank of Baroda until I retired in 1996. I am the President of Music Circles in Thane i.e. Sankalp & Wad-Sarita of Songar Sarita Mandal. I have been a foremost disciple of the Kirana gharana, trained by Pandit Feroz Dastur of Mumbai.

Since form when have you been in this field? How did the interest develop?
I had a flair of singing from a very tender age. It's heredity from my father. The Gharana School has also trained me. I was Dastur of the Doyen of Kirana Gharana School. A gentleman of Mr. Dastur directed me.I present the gayaki (music) of Kirana Gharana in its purest form.

What has been your achievement in this field?
I sing on the Air regularly, also I have sang in Doordarshan in a classic music programme. I have even toured the USA in 1990 and have received a senior fellowship award sponsored by Human Resources Development in acknowledgment of my services

Would you like to share some special moment associated in this field?
When I was performing a concert in Chennai in 1974 the entire audience gave me a standing ovation, which is still a very special moment.

What is the percentage of work satisfaction that you get?
I get a very high percentage of satisfaction from my work and performance approx 90%.

What are your future plans?
At present my future plans are Propagation of music and also developing my performance. I am one of those musicians that seldom seek fame.

Any message to the Thaneites?
People should devote as much time as possible to music.

As told to Thaneweb.com