Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande

Ashwini Bhide Deshpande is a Hindustani classical singer in the famous Jaipur-Atrauli Khayal singing tradition. She chose music as her first love and career after completing a PhD in Biochemistry at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, University of Mumbai. She was born into a musical family and received the Sangeet Visharad of the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and the President’s Gold Medal in All India Radio Music Competition at the age of 16. Along with classical Khayal, semi-classical genres like thumri-dadra, devotional bhajans/Marathi abhangs and Sanskrit hymns/stotras effortlessly blend in her repertoire. She has performed at various prestigious music festivals within and outside the country and has received acclaim from critics and music lovers all over the world. She has published a book (along with a CD) of self-composed bandishes Raag Rachananjali in 2004. Raag Rachananjali 2 was published in October 2010. Launched in 2023, her YouTube channel, Batiya Daurawat, is popular among classical music audiences. Her first recording album was released by HMV in 1985 followed by albums under various banners. She is a Top Grade artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan. As a teacher she has guided many disciples who are now successful concert artists themselves. Among her numerous honours are the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.