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“When I was very young, I was interested in the tabla, but in 1992, when I heard Pandit Kumar Gandharva’s record, I was blown away,” tells Rahul. This point marked the beginning of his journey in classic singing. Though he started his formal training in music, he continued his studies. Another turning point was when Pu La Deshpande, veteran writer, who was a close family friend, offered some advice. “He asked me how many plaques of doctors, lawyers and architects I saw on the way from the station to my home. Then he asked me how many plaques with singer written on them did I see,” he says. “I understood the point he was trying to make, but I left the final decision to my parents and grandmother,” he adds. And from then onwards it was only music he concentrated on and his persuasion continues. He often performs abroad, and this May he has a performance slated in USA. He has been very busy lately, organising Vasantotsav, a responsibility he took over from his father last year. “Last year I organised the festival in Mumbai, because I wanted to do something different,” he tells. Vasantotsav is a three-day festival conducted every year in the memory of Late Dr Vasantdada Deshpande. Every year the festival witnesses performances by renowned artists such as Kishori Amonkar, Pt. Jasraj and Pt. Jeetendra Abhisheki. His own contemporary touch is evident from this year's theme being- world music. “I appreciate any genre of music in its pure form, and this year I envisioned the festival to have a mélange of different forms of music,” he explains. This year marks the 25th Death Anniversary of Dr Vasantdada Deshpande, and is an event music lovers have been eagerly awaiting. The festival will open with Rahul's performance, and a special treat in store for them.
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