Rahul Deshpande
Early Life and Training
Rahul’s grandfather, Vasantrao Deshpande noticed Rahul’s connection to music within him at a young age and suggested Rahul be taken to his first Guru, Pimpalkharebua. After this initial learning, Vasantrao had planned to take his talent further by teaching him personally. That was unfortunately not to be. His musical career though had the guidance from a lot of other wonderful teachers who made Rahul what he is today.
Rahul Deshpande, grandson of the legendary Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande, is now a celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist known for blending tradition with contemporary expression. Strongly influenced by Pt. Kumar Gandharva, he has revived and popularised Nirguni bhajans, Abhangs, Kabir Bhajans, and other forms of Bhakti Sangeet, making devotional music accessible to diverse audiences.
Highlights & Contributions
- Vasantotsav – Visionary behind this nationally acclaimed music festival, celebrating Indian music across 24+ Indian cities and 20+ international locations.
- Abhangwari – A signature concert series under Vasantotsav, dedicated to devotional music, performed across major Indian cities for over a decade.
- Mentor & Guide – Founder of SwaraUnmesh, supporting emerging artists; has trained 100+ students free of cost.
- Cultural Outreach – Performed at spiritual hubs like Shirdi, Sajjangadh, Banaras, and Ambabai Mandir; uses music to inspire positivity and reflection.
- Preservation of Sacred Music – Recorded and promoted numerous devotional compositions including Shriranga Vitthala, Vedasi Kanada, and Vitthala Darshan Deun Ja.
- Digital Initiatives – During COVID-19, shared devotional renditions online and recorded at heritage spaces like Kasba Ganpati, Pune.
Rahul Deshpande, grandson of the legendary Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande, is a celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist known for blending tradition with contemporary expression. Strongly influenced by Pt. Kumar Gandharva, he has revived and popularized Nirguni bhajans, Abhangs, Kabir Bhajans, and other forms of Bhakti Sangeet, making devotional music accessible to diverse audiences.
Awards
- National Film Award (2022) – Best Male Playback Singer for Kaivalya Gaan from Me Vasantrao.
- Maharashtra State Awards – For Khal Khal Goda and Vitthala Darshan Deun Ja.
- Sudhir Phadke Award – For early excellence in bhakti-based music.
- Lata Mangeshkar Sangeet Sewa Puraskar Award- First recipient of Lata Mangeshkar Sangeet Sewa Puraskar (2025)
- Deenanath Mangeshkar Award (2022)
