The first edition of Citsabha Collective’s signature performing arts festival SVADHYAYA was held in February 2024 and featured five different
classical dance forms. In 2025, for the second edition, we bring a unique jugalbandi of Indian Classical music – of Violin in the Karnatic style and Sitar in the Hindustani tradition.
Artists
Violinist – Karnatic
Vid. Kalpana Kishore
Kalpana Kishore is a versatile Indian classical musician, renowned as both a vocalist and violinist, and a descendant of the legendary Chathapuram Sri Subba Iyer. Trained by eminent gurus including Smt. T. Rukmini, K.V. Narayanaswamy, and P.S. Narayanaswamy, she further honed her artistry under Dr. V. Balaji, exploring both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.
She has accompanied stalwarts such as Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Aruna Sairam, and Bombay Jayashri, and is known for her engaging jugalbandis and devotional performances. An A-grade All India Radio artist, she has received recognition from The Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, and Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
As Founder-Director of Samagana Heritage Foundation and through KalpanaSwaram School of Music, she mentors students globally, carrying forward the rich legacy of Indian classical music.
Sitarist – Hindustani
Vid. Anupama Bhagwat
Anupama is a distinguished sitarist and a leading disciple of Pandit Bimalendu Mukherjee of the Imdadkhani Gharana. Celebrated for her meditative alaaps, scintillating taans, and deep raaga expression, she brings together tradition and refined artistry.
A recipient of the Surmani title (Sur Sringar Sansad) and winner of the All India Radio Music Competition, she has performed at premier festivals such as Doverlane, Saptak, and Sankat Mochan Samaroh. Her international presence spans renowned venues including the Southbank Centre (London), Musée Guimet (Paris), and leading institutions like MIT and UC Berkeley.
Her music has been featured on All India Radio, Doordarshan, and global radio platforms, alongside collaborations in world music and jugalbandi performances. With her blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth, Anupama continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Mridangam – Karnatic
Vid. BC Manjunath
B.C. Manjunath is an acclaimed percussionist known for his versatility across Indian classical, world music, modern jazz, and contemporary dance. A recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and Ganakalashree Award, he has performed widely across India and in over 60 countries.
An innovator in rhythm, he has created unique tala systems such as the Fibonacci Tala and Gurukrupa Tala, expanding the language of percussion. Trained under K.N. Krishna Murthy and Dr. T.K. Murthy, he has collaborated with legends including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Anoushka Shankar, and Akram Khan.
His performances span iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House and Philharmonie de Paris, and he has contributed to major international productions such as Torobaka and XENOS. An ‘A’ Grade artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan, Manjunath is also a passionate educator, conducting workshops globally while continuing to redefine rhythmic expression.
Tabla – Hindustani
Pt. Rahul Pophali
Rahul is a versatile tabla artist who began his training at the age of seven under Pt. Raghunath Agashe, mastering the Delhi, Farrukhabad, and Lucknow gharanas. He later trained in the Punjab gharana under Pt. Nishikant Barodekar, a senior disciple of Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain.
A seasoned performer, Rahul has accompanied renowned musicians and performed extensively across Europe and Asia. His collaborations span genres such as Jazz, Rock, Flamenco, and World Music, reflecting his dynamic and exploratory approach to rhythm.
Alongside performance, he conducts workshops and lecture-demonstrations at leading institutions in India and Europe. With formal training in both Tabla and Electronics Engineering, Rahul brings a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and analytical insight to his music.
