A renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and a devotional singer that she is; Bhagyashree Deshpande belongs to Mewati Gharana. She was born in a well known classical family of ‘Ambejogai’. Bhagyashree received early training from her parents and. thereafter took her Natya Sangeet’s training from well known veteran Singer Smt. Jaymala Shiledar. Bhagyashree also took special guidance from Pandit Ajay Pohankar and Pandit Suresh Wadkar.
Bhagyashree Deshpande during her classical music performance
Magzmumbai met this dedicated classical singer at a musical event ‘Sur Taal’ at Borivali, Mumbai, where she was to perform along with other classical singers. Bhagyashree is now training others in classical music and hence spoke about her expectations from her students . Having herself worked very hard to reach this level, she expects her students to do well too; but, for that “They need to do Riyaz daily for six hours, if they want to make a career seriously in classical music,” she said.
When asked, whether this daily Riyaz is to be done at a stretch by the students , she said, “Not necessary, they can have breaks or can do the same at their convenience.Only time they should avoid Riyaz, is half an hour after having meals.” Bhagyashree is not particular about what her students should eat. For her, their regular Riyaz ( practice) is more important. Talking about shifting from hot temperature to colder temperature during practice or programme, she said, “To remain in an air conditioned room throughout the programme or rehearsal, does not affect the voice, but if you are frequently changing from hot to colder or vice versa, it may affect.”
At present, the age group of her students range from 6 years to 72 years, which clearly indicates that age is not important for learning this art. Bhagyashree feels that the right age to start is at the age of 5 years, when the child has the ability to grasp the skills quickly. When asked whether there is change observed in voice in case of little children, after attaining teenage, she said that it does affect to some extent, in case of boys, but with girls, no such change is noticed.
Whatever Bhagyashree has achieved from her Gurus, to reach this level, she is giving it back to the society, by training others. Bhagyashree does give enough scope to her students to perform in musical events, after they become well versed with this art. Her wish is to popularise Hindustani Classical music in different countries. This is possible,, if our Non resident Indians come forford from their respective countries to host her events. If this happens, Bhagyashree will be more than happy to perform at such places.