Parupalli S Phalgun

Percussion Mridangam

Parupalli S Phalgun

3 minute read

Parupalli Subbaraya (P.S.) Phalgun is an experienced mridangam maestro, known for rhythmic dexterity and a deep knowledge of Carnatic theory. Hailing from a family of varied musicians, including vocalist Parupalli Ramakrishnaiah Pantulu, he learned percussion from V. Balaji and Radhakrishna Raju, and later from the latter’s son M.L. Raju.

A long career has seen him teach thousands of students, tour over 20 countries, and win national All India Radio awards. He has also worked in theatre settings, including for a production honouring the lives of the great vaggeyakaras (Carnatic lyricists). In 2015 he led the organisation of a tribute concert in memory of Mahadevu Lakshmi Narayana Raju, an esteemed mridangam guru, and is today a senior lecturer at the Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada.

He won the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s prestigious Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar award in recognition of his consistently high performance quality (Parupalli donated the entirety his prize money to a foundation created in memory of Raju, his late guru). He has worked with leading artists of the North, such as sitarist Ustad Shahid Parvez, as well as various Carnatic stars, notably including a long association with venu flute master Shashank Subramanyam.

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Jasdeep Singh Degun | Full Concert

Raags Performed: - Raag Jogkauns - Raag Charukeshi Musicians : - Jasdeep Singh Degun (Sitar) - Anubrata Chatterjee (Tabla) Step into the timeless world of Indian classical music with this spellbinding performance by Jasdeep Singh Degun, recorded live at Darbar Festival 2024. A true torchbearer of the sitar, Jasdeep brings both mastery and soul to the stage, breathing new life into the ancient art form with his deeply expressive interpretation of Raag Jogkauns—a rare and mystical raga that stirs the spirit and calms the mind. A disciple of the great Ustad Dharambir Singh, Jasdeep’s playing is rooted in tradition yet alive with fresh emotion. His intricate meends (glides) and precise taans (fast melodic runs) unfold with poise and beauty, drawing the listener into the raga's meditative depths. Providing masterful rhythmic support is the brilliant Anubrata Chatterjee on tabla—son of the legendary Pandit Anindo Chatterjee—whose dynamic and sensitive accompaniment weaves seamlessly with Jasdeep’s melodic flow, creating a dialogue that is as thrilling as it is graceful. Captured in the resonant halls of Darbar Festival, this performance is more than a concert—it is a celebration of heritage, devotion, and the transcendent power of raga. Settle in, take a deep breath, and let this sublime journey in Raag Jogkauns transport you. Raag Jogkauns is a rare and evocative blend of two majestic ragas—Jog and Chandrikauns. It carries the serene, introspective mood of the night, weaving a tapestry of devotion, mystery, and deep emotion. The raga typically evokes a meditative atmosphere, with its haunting phrases and gentle yet powerful movements. Characterised by a mix of pentatonic and hexatonic notes, Jogkauns creates a dreamy, almost otherworldly soundscape. It’s a raga that demands both technical skill and deep emotional sensitivity, making it a perfect vehicle for expressive improvisation and soul-stirring artistry. Truly, Jogkauns is a musical experience to be felt, not just heard.