Vidushi Alamelu Mani

Carnatic Vocal

Vidushi Alamelu Mani

3 minute read

Vidushi Alamelu Mani (born 4 October 1934 in Mumbai) is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist and educator, renowned as the longtime Principal of the South Indian School of Music in Mumbai since 1963. Trained initially by her husband H. A. S. Mani, and subsequently under T. Brinda and Thanjavur V. Sankara Iyer, she mastered the Veena Dhanammal style of padam and javali. An A‑Grade artiste since 1968 with All India Radio and Doordarshan, her deep repertoire reflects both scholarly insight and emotive depth.

Vidushi Mani has shaped Mumbai’s Carnatic scene through her extensive teaching—mentoring over a thousand students—and through performances both on-air and in concert halls. A recipient of numerous honours—such as the South Indian Fine Arts Gold Medal, Gurukripa Award, Sur Mani title, and the prestigious 2018 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award—she is also celebrated as the mother and first teacher of acclaimed playback singer Hariharan.

As a revered guru and tradition bearer, Vidushi Mani sustains the rare Veena Dhanammal-Carnatic lineage in Mumbai. Her students include noted vocalists like Shriram Iyer, and her influence extends through her numerous Gandhharva School alumni. Her deep-rooted teaching philosophy—based on melodic purity, expressive nuance, and rigorous tradition—continues to inspire Carnatic and fusion artists across India and abroad.

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Alam Khan | Full Concert

Raags Performed: - Raag Madhu Malati - Raag Chandranandan - Raag Mand Musicians : - Alam Khan (Sarod) - Pandit Yogesh Samsi (tabla) Meet Alam Khan, a master sarod player and torchbearer of the legendary Maihar gharana. Son of the iconic Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Alam continues his family's rich musical legacy with profound artistry. Barbican At the Darbar Festival 2023 in London, Alam delivered a mesmerizing performance, accompanied by the esteemed Pandit Yogesh Samsi on tabla. Their collaboration showcased the depth and dynamism of Hindustani classical music, captivating audiences with intricate ragas and rhythmic interplay. More About the Raags: At the Darbar Festival 2023 in London, sarod virtuoso Alam Khan and tabla maestro Pandit Yogesh Samsi delivered a captivating performance that honored the rich legacy of the Maihar gharana. The concert opened with Raag Madhumalati, a creation of Alam Khan’s father, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. This raga blends elements of Madhuvanti and Malati, weaving a tapestry of romantic and serene moods. Its melodic structure evokes a sense of sweetness and tranquility, setting a contemplative tone for the evening. The duo then transitioned into Raag Chandranandan, another of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan’s innovative compositions. This raga is a fusion of four traditional ragas: Malkauns, Chandrakauns, Nandkauns, and Kaushi Kanada. The name "Chandranandan," meaning "moonstruck," reflects its ethereal and introspective character. The performance showcased the raga's depth and complexity, highlighting the seamless interplay between the sarod and tabla. Concluding the recital was Raag Mand, rooted in the folk traditions of Rajasthan. Known for its light and festive nature, Mand is often associated with semi-classical forms like thumri and ghazal. The artists' rendition captured the raga's playful essence, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and fulfillment. This performance not only celebrated the innovative spirit of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan but also demonstrated the enduring vitality of Hindustani classical music through the artistry of Alam Khan and Pandit Yogesh Samsi.