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Pandit Shridhar Padhye

Pt Shridhar Yashwant Padhye is reckoned among the most respected Tabla Gurus in Mumbai.

He is one of the finest exponents of the Ajrada and the Delhi Gharanas living in our midst.

Affectionately known as ‘Padhye Mastar’ by disciples, admirers and well-wishers, Pt Padhye has had the privilege of training under late Pt. Yashwantrao Kerkar for 35 long years.

Pt Yashwantrao Kerkar was himself a legendary Tabla Maestro of his time and had the privilege to train under great Tabla Maestros Ustad Gaame Khan Saheb, Ustad Habeebuddin Khan Saheb and Ustad Amir Hussain Khan Saheb. Pt Kerkar had a very close acquaintance with Ustad Ahmedjan Thirakwa from whom he also learnt the Tabla of the Purab gharana.

Having imbibed knowledge of such diverse streams from Pt Yashwantrao Kerkar, it would have been easier for Pt Shridhar Padhye to become a professional performing artist. However, he listened to his inner voice and decided to pass on the knowledge of Tabla to the next generation. Pt Padhye turned out to be an exceptional Guru having evolved his own style of teaching over a period of time.

In a teaching career that has spanned five decades, Pt Padhye has trained hundreds of disciples, some of them free of charge.

His unique technique of teaching yielded fruits with many of his disciples winning Tabla Competitions conducted by the All India Radio and other prestigious forums.

His passion for Tabla, experience, his depth of knowledge and above all his unassuming personality endeared him to one and all. In the year 1993, Pt Padhye was invited to South Africa by music lovers and students.

During his stay of nearly five months, Pt Padhye gave lectures and demonstrations at Johannesburg, Durban and other places.

Known for his masterly exposition of the Baya for which his Guru Pt Kerkar was famous, Pt Padhye further improvised his style of playing to bring about a beautiful synergy between the Tabla and the Baya. He learnt the subtleties of accompanying Indian Classical Vocalists in tune with the requirements of the Gharanas.

Pt Shridhar Padhye had the honour of accompanying renowned vocalists Pt Pheroze Dastur, Pt Nivruttibuwa Sarnaik, Pt Krishnarao Chonkar, Pt Gajananbuwa Joshi, Pt Govindrao Agni, Dr Ashok Ranade, Pt Ratnakar Pai, Pt Shyam Gogate and many others.

He often accompanied the late Prof B. R. Deodhar during the latter’s performances as well as lecture-demonstrations. He had also accompanied the fabled ‘Balgandharva’ on one occasion.

In a record of sorts, Pt Padhye has provided Tabla accompaniment to Gan Samradhni Pandita Dhondutai Kulkarni for more than four decades.

Pt Padhye’s versatility can be gauged from the fact that he not only excelled in the art of solo presentation and classical accompaniment; but also mastered the art of providing accompaniment to Bhajans, Natya Sangit and Kirtans with equal brilliance.

Pt Padhye provided Tabla accompaniment to renowned theatre personality Smt. Suhasini Mulgaonkar in more than 50 musical plays (Sangit Nataks). He had also provided Tabla accompaniment to senior theater artist Smt. Shanta Apte in a popular Musical play.

An audio cassette containing various ‘Thekas’ (Rhythms) in Tabla was brought out by well known music lover late Shri Chandiramanai a few years ago. In this cassette, which remains a treasure of knowledge for the posterity, Pt Padhye has demonstrated how each of the Taals is played on the Tabla.

Even at the age of 76 years, Pt Padhye has religiously continued his mission of teaching Tabla with his trademark zeal and enthusiasm, even though that requires him travelling a long distance.

Life Sketch at a Glance Born: 9 March 1938 at Adivare (Kalikawadi), Tq Rajapur, Dist Ratnagiri Education: Initial education at village Adivare. Passed SSC exam from a Night School in Mumbai Learning Tabla: Started learning Tabla from Pt Sakharampant Bhagwat of Village Kasheli, Dist Ratnagiri as a child. Meeting Tabla Guru: Met his Tabla Guru Pt Yashwantrao Kerkar in 1957. Trained under Pt Kerkar from 1957 to 1992. Teaching Profession: Served at the Music Department of University of Mumbai for ten years. Teaching Tabla since 1965