Mahesh Kale , one of the most popular faces of Indian classical music today, was in Vadodara recently for a performance. The vocalist, who won the National Film Award for his song Aruni Kirani from the Marathi film Katyar Kaljat Ghusali (2016), tells us, “I have performed in Vadodara earlier also and the audience here loves Indian classical music. I love the local food here. During this trip, I visited MSU with my friend Dr Rajesh Kelkar (head of department, department of Indian Classical Music—Vocal), and I loved the campus.”

‘I make sure to indulge the youth at my concerts’

Mahesh, who has been hailed for bridging the gap between classical and non-classical audiences, says, “I want to demystify the notion that classical music is only for the classes. I don’t want the masses or those who are uninitiated to Indian classical music to feel a sense of inferiority complex at my concerts. But while I might dumb down a few things, I make sure that the legacy and the reverence the art has always remained intact. I also make sure to indulge the youth at my concerts.” He adds, “Also, while reduced attention span is a reality of our times, I feel it doesn’t apply to every aspect of life. At my concerts, I have always had great experiences, and the only time most people use a phone is when they want to record a video of the performance.”

‘Was blessed to have Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki as my guru’

Mahesh was lucky to have Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki as his guru. He says, “I was blessed to have him as my guru. He made immense contributions to every aspect of Indian classical music and almost single-handedly revived Sangeet Natak in Maharashtra. His classical and semi-classical compositions have always inspired me. He was a very devoted teacher.”

‘There’s this misconception that something local may not resonate globally’

While abhangs (devotional poetry sung in praise of Lord Vitthal) have always been popular in Maharashtra, they are now gaining popularity everywhere. With Abhangwari , a well-curated show he has performed in several cities, Mahesh has played a big role in that journey. He says, “There’s this misconception that something local may not resonate globally. The success of these shows proves that it isn’t correct. The life of a grandma living in a remote village is not drastically different from that of a youth living in a metro. At the core, emotions are the same. Indian classical music is deeply tied with these emotions.”

‘Chose music as a career because it gives me utmost happiness’

While he was thriving in Silicon Valley and a lucrative career in technology was up for grabs, Mahesh’s “love for music” ensured that he chose it as a career. He shares, “My mother (Meenal Kale) was a noted singer and even my elder brother played the tabla. I grew up around music, loved it, and knew that it would always be a significant part of my life. I was good at studies too and after studying engineering and doing my master’s in the US, I could have chosen a different career because I love technology too. But a few incidents made me realise that you don’t need a lot of resources to be happy. I chose music as a career because it gives me utmost happiness. With Indian Classical Music and Arts (ICMA) Foundation, a non-profit organisation, we are trying to nurture and celebrate Indian classical music. We try to help talented artistes who may not have the resources. My aim is to further Indian classical arts."