Kamala Shankar

Vidushi Dr. Kamala Shankar a renowned first lady Indian Classical Slide Guitar musician has enthralled the world through her immaculate and melodious rendition of Hindustani Classical music. Kamala has the credit to invent the Shankar Slide Guitar. She is known for her tremendous control and versatility along with the depth on her instrument. She has an exceptional and natural ability to play the ‘Gayaki Ang’ style.Her music is popularly referred as singing guitar.

Shankar is the first slide guitarist to receive the National Award in Music " Rashtriya Kumar Gandharva Samman" in 2013 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Early years
Kamala Shankar, born in Tanjore (Tamil Nadu) and brought up in Varanasi. At the age of 4 she was initiated into vocal music by her mother and was put under the able guidance of Guru Pt. Amarnath Mishra of Varanasi and learnt Hindustani classical vocal for 8 years. The most momentous discovery was the Hawaiian slide guitar. Her initial training of Guitar started with Dr. Shivnath Bhattacharya and was given valuable guidance by Guru Padmabhushan Pt. Chhannulal Mishra of Varanasi. She has not only learnt classical but also the Poorab Ang like Thumri, Kajari, Dadra, Chaiti with Rabindra Sangeet and Bhajan. Later on she was under the able guidance of Pt. Bimalendu Mukherjee for few years. A Researcher,She holds Doctorate for her work on the styles & techniques of slide guitar which she completed under Dr. Gopal Shankar Mishra from Faculty of Performing Arts Banaras Hindu University.

Discography

 * Music Melody on Guitar By HMV(RPG) Raga Bageshri, Raga Shyam kalyan & Dhun in Mishra Kafi
 * Great Masters by Eli Lily & Company [India] Pvt.Ltd.
 * Tantarang by Mystica Music Raga Jog & Raga Miya Malhar
 * Jhankar Rich Heritage by Legendary Legacy Promotions Pvt.Ltd. Raga Bairagi, Raga Bilaskhani Todi & Mishra Pahadi Dhun