Chinmay Kolhatkar

Hindustani Harmonium

Chinmay Kolhatkar

2 minute read

Chinmay Kolhatkar received his initial music training from Rajprasad Dharmadhikari, in Kolhapur. He is currently under the tutelage of the noted harmonium player Dr. Arvind Thatte.

After completing his graduation in Electronics, Chinmay has made music his career. Though young he has already provided harmonium accompaniment to many leading artists of Indian classical music.

Chinmay is taking vocal training from Rajendra Manerikar and is learning voice culture.

Chinmay Kolhatkar has delivered memorable performances at the Darbar Festival in 2011, 2019, and 2023, showcasing his exceptional talent in collaboration with a range of renowned artists. Over the years, he has performed alongside Sameehan Kashalkar, Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar, Pandit Suresh Talwalker, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, and Manjiri Asanare Kelkar. Known for his emotive and skilled approach to Indian classical music, Kolhatkar’s performances have been marked by deep musicality and an ability to connect with his fellow musicians and audiences alike. His contribution to the festival has been an integral part of its rich cultural tapestry.

Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical music to stir, thrill, and inspire. Explore our YouTube channel or subscribe to the Darbar Player to watch extended festival performances, talks, and documentaries in pristine HD and UHD quality.

Explore all our live and on-demand music courses guided by world-class maestros. From beginners taking their first steps to advanced students refining their craft, our globally accessible platform empowers you to learn, grow, and connect deeply with the tradition of Indian classical music

S4 EP1 | Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar

Recorded at Darbar Festival 2011, on 24th April, at King's Place. Musicians: - Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar (vocal) - Pandit Suresh Talwalkar (tabla) - Chinmay Kolhatkar (harmonium) - Sameehan Kashalkar (supporting vocals and tanpura) Raag Darbari Kanada; Thaat: Asavari; Samay: Midnight Pandit Kashalkar performs Darbari Kanada, the majestic raga with a flow and clarity creating a spellbinding effect. There is a rare balance of openness and structural adherence in Kashalkar’s performances. The way he elaborates every phrase is like throwing light or paving the path for a new phraseology of the raga. Add to that the astoundingly lyrical accompaniment by Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and you have a concert to reckon with for a lifetime. Chinmay Kolhatkar and Sameehan Kashalkar (vocal and tanpura) give befitting support to the overall performance. Kashalkar has taken a deep approach to learning. His father was an amateur vocalist and musicologist, and trained his son well enough to top Nagpur University’s music course. He went on to train under Ram Marathe and Gajananrao Joshi, eventually mastering the nuances of three gharanas - Agra, Jaipur, and Gwalior. He is recognised as one of North India’s most accomplished singers, often resurrecting rare ragas from the past. Talwalkar learned tabla from his father Duttatrey Talwalkar. He then went under the tutelage of Pandharinath Nageshkar and Vinayakrao Ghangrekar. Suresh Talwalkar is an institution in himself; He has created a lyrical style of playing which makes him the most endearing and respected tabla players in India. Kolhatkar is a versatile musician who received his initial training from Shri Rajprasad Dharmadhikari, Kolhapur, and now is under the tutelage of famous harmonium maestro of India, Dr. Shri Arvind Thatte. He is an Electronics Engineer who took up music as a full-time career. Chinmay is taking training from Shri Rajendra Manerikar in vocal music.