ECHOES OF MALHAR

A Hindustani classical recital of monsoon ragas by Siddhartha Belmannu.

About the Artist

Siddhartha Belmannu - Hindustani Vocal

Siddhartha Belmannu, born on October 2, 1996, in Karkala, Karnataka, is a prodigious Indian classical musician known for his unique style. Gifted with a three-octave voice, he began his musical training in Carnatic Classical Music, later transitioning to Hindustani Classical under Sri P. R. Manjunath and the legendary Pandit Vinayak Torvi. He has trained under Pandit Torvi for over 13 years, blending tradition with innovation.

Siddhartha holds a Master's in Global Music from Vishwakarma University, Pune, where he researched the theory of time and seasons in Indian Raagas. His accolades include a special mention in Forbes '30 under 30' - 2021, the Shanmukha Sangeet Shiromani Award-2023, and the Karnataka State Award-2018.

Performing at prestigious platforms such as ‘Gharana Gen Next’ in Mumbai, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi’s Birth Centenary in Pune, and international festivals like Berlin Atonal and Draaimolen, Siddhartha has gained global recognition. He has collaborated with renowned artists like Pt. Pravin Godkhindi, Ustad Taufiq Qureshi, and Grammy winner Ricky Kej.

In addition to his acclaim in classical music, Siddhartha is a versatile playback vocalist in the film industry, making him one of the most sought-after young artists in the country.

Accompaniment by :

Sarfaraz Khan - Sarangi

Sarfaraaz Khan, hailing from the esteemed Kirana Gharana, comes from a long line of distinguished musicians. His grandfather, Ustad Abdul Quader Khan Sahab, was a Sarangi maestro and a staff artist at A.I.R Dharwad. His great-grandfather, Ustad Sheikh Abdulla Khan, served as a court musician at the Mysore Palace and for the Nawabs of Hyderabad.

Sarfaraaz's father, Ustad Faiyaz Khan, is also a renowned vocalist and Sarangi player. Sarfaraaz began his musical journey under his father's tutelage at the age of four and now trains with the legendary Guru Padma Vibhushan Pt. Ramnarayan.

Sarfaraaz's Gandha Bandhan Ceremony took place in Mumbai with his Guru's blessings. He won first prize in the A.I.R competition in 2013 and received the Inspiring Indian Youth Icon Award from the Inspired Indian Foundation and the Guru Abdul Kalam International Foundation in 2017. An A-grade artist from A.I.R, Sarfaraaz is the ninth-generation musician in his family.

He has performed for prestigious organizations across India and internationally, including the Gangubai Hangal Music Foundation, Dharwad Music Festival, Ustad Abdul Kareem Khan Music Festival, and events in Singapore, Europe, and Dubai. Sarfaraaz has also accompanied his father and other maestros in various performances.

Sumith Naik - Tabla

Born on October 2, 1989, in Kochi, Kerala, is an accomplished Tabla artist with 16 years of experience in the performing arts. He holds a SANGEET VISHARAD from Gandharv Maha Vidhyalaya, Pune (2016) and a Master's in Tabla with a gold medal from Dr. Gangubai Hangal University of Music and Performing Arts, Mysore (2016).

Additionally, he is a graded artist at All India Radio, Bangalore, and holds a certificate in Senior Taalavadya Exam from the Karnataka State Board (2014). Trained by esteemed gurus like Vidwan Shri. Naveen Pai and Dr. Udayraj Karpur, he has received guidance in Saath-Sangath from Ustad Faiyaz Khan.

His work experience includes teaching at Mallya Aditya International School and Bharateey Sangeet Vidhyalay, conducting workshops at Amrita Institute of Arts & Science, and currently performing with the Indian classical band SOULË.

He has accompanied renowned artists across various genres, including Hindustani classical, Carnatic Taalavadya, jazz, light music, and Sufi-Qawwali. He has also contributed to the background scores for the Malayalam movie "Mohavalayam" (2015) and the documentary "Sthalam" (2013). Recognized for his talent, he received the GSB award and the title "LAYA-PRATIBHA" in 2017.