Kedarnath Havaldar Successfully Completes Forty-Day Tabla Practice!

Bengaluru: Well, strange it may look to hear also, but Kedarnath Havaldar has made it. He underwent what is termed as "Chilla", a forty-day tabla practice all alone. During this forty-day challenging period, he initially used to meet his guru for some days. But, after the 25th day, he remained all to himself and his favourite musical instrument tabla. Not only that, but while he continued to practice in the basement he never even met his wife staying on the first floor.

Forty-day pursuit: Pt Dr Nagaraj Havaldar, father of Kedarnath Havaldar, proudly recalls his son's accomplishments: From July 8th morning to August 16th late evening, my son Kedarnath Havaldar was in solitude and soliloquy with his favourite passion Tabla. This forty-day tabla practice regime is known as Chilla. This forty-day pursuit was completed successfully by the blessings and guidance of his Guru Pandit Samira Chatterjee, Guruma Sanghamitra ji and Gurubhai Dibyarko Chatterjee...

...The challenge of playing for 12 hours daily: First five days he enjoyed the rigour and challenge of playing for 12 hours daily. Please note he was not accompanying another Artist. Sixth day he realised that he was not going anywhere, and thought of revisiting the idea. He wrote a note to his Guruji, and he came down to the basement and reinstalled the confidence and purpose of Chilla...

...A better student now: From that day, Kedar never looked back. Samir Ji used to visit him once in two days. After the 25th day, Kedar requested total solitude and didn't even see his Guru. After completing 40 days, Kedar feels that he has become a better student, and knows his Tabla better than before. His journey is on, but this is a small landmark...

...Totally isolated from the external world: He was totally isolated from the external world, with no phone, message etc. He didn't even see his wife, who was on the first floor. We thank everyone who made this possible, and who blessed him to accomplish this little landmark...

...The Havaldars hope to sing and play: We Thank his wife Anandavardhini and all the elders who supported him in this journey. The Havaldars hope to sing and play for you soon.

With love and respect
Havaldar's family.

A Hindusthani Classical Tablist: Kedarnath Havaldar is a Hindusthani Classical Tablist based out of Bangalore. His father Pt.Dr. Nagraj Rao Havaldar is a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist. Mother Mrs. Sudhamayi Havaldar is a graduate of fine arts from the Fine Arts College, Mysore. Kedar’s father-in-law is Vidwan Tirumala Srinivas a renowned Carnatic classical vocalist and versatile composer.

A student under his father's guidance: Kedar's journey in music began as a student of vocal music under his father's guidance. Gradually he was fascinated by the possibilities of laya and tala. His initial training in tabla began under the guidance of Pt. Rajgopal Kallurkar is a renowned teacher of Farrukhabad gharana. This tutelage for 10 years initiated Kedar to blossom as a component soloist and accompanist. His quest for knowledge guided him to Pt. M. Nagesh, another dedicated teacher and a disciple of legendary Pt. Puttaraja Gawai. Nagesh’s vast experience and interaction with many musicians have been carefully handed over to Kedar.

A Gandabandh disciple: Presently, Kedar is a “Gandabandh” disciple of Pt. Samir Chatterjee is an internationally renowned tabla maestro. Kedar in the year 2010 went to New Jersey USA to learn tabla in the true Gurukula order for two years. On his guru's advice, he returned to India and completed his master's in tabla securing distinction and gold medal. His learning from Pt. Samir Chatterjee is an ongoing process.

Performed with young and veteran artists: Kedar is extremely privileged to receive a special talim of vocal accompaniment under the great masters like Pt. Madhava Gudi, Pt. Panchakshari Swamy Mattigatti who are his father Dr. Nagraj Rao’s gurus. He has got a lot of insights into the vocal accompaniment from his father Dr. Havaldar and Pt. Indudhar Nirody. Kedar has performed with young and veteran artists in India and Abroad, for vocal, instrumental, dance, film, documentaries and dramas at very many prestigious venues. He has played for many recording projects.

To Name a few venues

• VSK Bhaitak, New Delhi, 2016 • Indian Institute of World Culture 2015 • India International Center 2015, Delhi • Chhandayan Annual Music Festival, Delhi, 2015 • London International Festival 2014, London • Nehru Centre, London • Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, London • “Dhwani”- Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur Memorial Festival, Organised by Bangalore Kidney Foundation • Devnandan Ubhyakar Sangeet Utsav, 2013 • Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav , Pune • Hampi Utsava • Raajbhavan, Bengaluru (The Residence of the Governor of Karnataka) • Arshavidya Gurukula, Pennsylvania • Asia center, New York • Carnegie Hall, New York 2011 • World Music Festival, Chicago • Chhandayan All-Night Concert, New York • AKKA conference 2010 • World Veerashaiva Conference; Boston. • Bhimsen Joshi birth centenary performances at Bharti Vidya Bhavan Chennai, Ramkrishna mission Kolkata, Kundagol and GSB samaj Bombay Art Forum Mumbai, Madras Music Academy Chennai. Kedar is one of the most sought-after teachers for aspiring learners. He has designed a special curriculum for Azim Premji University, Bangalore titled World Rhythms wherein he teaches table and djembe. Kedar has been awarded Kishore Prathiba Puraskar from the government of Karnataka. He is also a graded artist of AIR and Doordarshan.

Versatile Performances

• Tablaphilia: A 21-member Tabla symphony conducted by Pt. Samir Chatterjee. • All India Tour 2012 with Pakistani Sufi Rock Band JUNOON. • Kathak and Flamenco Jugalbandhi in Thalia Dance Theater, New York. • Documentary of the Great Master by Azim Premji Foundation [performing with legends like Vidushi. Lalit J. Rao and Pt . Indudhar Nirody ] • Indian Raga Labs • He has been a part of the music video “Fire” Launched by Pineapple Express a progressive rock band from Bangalore.

Inputs and Photos Courtesy: Havaldars'