09/03/2024
Announcement: We are thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome to Vidushi Dr. Kamala Shankar, Our Kamala didi, as she graciously joins the distinguished panel of our Cultural Advisory Board at Veena Venu Art Foundation. With heartfelt joy and gratitude, we welcome her aboard, eagerly, anticipating the remarkable impact of her contributions. As we persist in our noble pursuit to honour and nurture the cherished cultural legacy of Indian classical music. Kamala didi’s presence resonates with heartfelt emotion and unwavering commitment, enriching our collective journey with boundless depth and passion.
With heartfelt joy and gratitude, we welcome her aboard, eagerly, anticipating the remarkable impact of her contributions. As we persist in our noble pursuit to honour and nurture the cherished cultural legacy of Indian classical music. Kamala didi’s presence resonates with heartfelt emotion and unwavering commitment, enriching our collective journey with boundless depth and passion.
Renowned as a leading figure in the realm of Indian Classical Slide Guitar, Vidushi Dr. Kamala Shankar stands as a beacon of musical excellence with her exceptional performances of Hindustani Classical Music, captivating audiences both in India and across borders. Pioneering the unique artistry of the slide guitar, she has carved a niche for herself as the first lady in this specialized field, captivating audiences worldwide with her flawless renditions.
Dr. Kamala Shankar's musical journey commenced under the tutelage of her mother, Smt. Vijaya Shankar, a distinguished Carnatic vocalist, at the tender age of four. Raised in Varanasi within a culturally rich environment, she embarked on a quest for musical mastery under the guidance of renowned gurus such as Pandit Amarnath Mishra and later, Padmabhushan Pt. Chhannulal Mishra, delving deep into the realms of Hindustani classical vocal and various other musical genres.
The pivotal turning point in Dr. Kamala's life came with her discovery of the Hawaiian slide guitar, a revelation that led her to revolutionize the standard Hawaiian guitar into a new avatar - the Shankar Slide Guitar. This indigenous creation, dedicated to Lord Shankar of Varanasi, boasts a unique construction crafted from solid cedar wood, producing an enriched tonal quality reminiscent of Indian classical music. With her relentless dedication to innovation and a ceaseless quest for musical perfection, Dr. Kamala has not only elevated the status of the slide guitar but has also been instrumental in promoting Indian classical music on a global platform.
Acknowledged for her significant contributions, Dr. Kamala Shankar has been honored with numerous prestigious awards and accolades, including the National Kumar Gandharva Award and the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy Award, recognizing her unparalleled excellence and dedication to the promotion of Indian classical music.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Dr. Kamala Shankar has also demonstrated academic prowess, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, although her unwavering passion for music ultimately led her to pursue a career in the musical realm. As a cultural ambassador, she has represented India on various international platforms, spreading the essence of Indian classical music far and wide.
With her profound musical expertise and unwavering commitment to the art form, Dr. Kamala Shankar continues to enchant audiences globally, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
