Profile

Shri Hemant Pendse is one of the leading vocalists in the realm of Hindustani classical music. After receiving his initial training from late Shri Manohar Betavadkar, he had the privilege of learning under none other than the great Guru, composer and musician late Padmashri Pt.Jeetendra Abhisheki for a considerable long period of twenty years. Trained in the Gurukul system of learning, he imbibed the essence of the Jaipur-Agra gayaki from Panditji. He has been equally fortunate to have an in-depth guidance from the doyen of Agra gharana late Pt.Babanrao Haldankar. Currently he is seeking guidance from Pt.Vikas Kashalkar of the Kirana-Gwalior tradition.

Blessed with a very mellifluous voice, Hemant Pendse’s repertoire includes khyal, thumri-dadra, devotional and Marathi light music. Over a considerable period of time, he has been successful in applying the essence of his Gurus’ training while creating his own aesthetic principles in his gayaki. This is also reflected in his compositions in khyal and devotional music.

He has composed a number of bandishes in khyal music and has given thematic concerts He has also conceived, directed and performed in thematic concerts like Abhangvarsha, Guruvandana and  Ek Radha Ek Meera. He also has several albums to his credit. His compositions have been appreciated by senior vocalists and music directors like the noted Marathi music director, Pt.Shrinivas Khale.  Popular vocalists like Smt.Devaki Pandit, Shri Shounak Abhisheki, Shri Sanjeev Abhyankar and many more have rendered his compositions in their albums and performances.

He has travelled in India for his concerts and has been a regular performer in the U.S., Canada, U.A.E and U.S.S.R. He had the privilege of performing twice in the  prestigious Sawai Gandharwa Mahotsav.

His ability to present every genre with ease and proficiency has made him a unanimous choice for several awards that he has received so far, the prestigious among them being the ‘Jasraj Gourav Puraskar’ and the ‘Manik Verma Puraskar’. He is a B high grade vocalist and also a Grade 1 composer of A.I.R.

Pendse is equally aware of his social responsibility as an artist. He is one of the few musicians who has taken up the cause of spreading awareness about classical music in the masses and has conceived of a series of concerts titled ‘Club Kansen’ which aims at music appreciation of khyal music. Another angle of his musical responsibility is to pass on the tradition of music to the next generation. Again Pendse has a major role as a Guru. He is enlisted as a Guru on the panel of Lalit Kendra, Pune University and has also conducted workshops regarding the same. Some of his students are now establishing themselves as musicians.

In spite of achieving popularity in music and essaying the role of a performer, composer and Guru, Hemant Pendse is firmly rooted to ground and aspires for a deeper study in  sur and laya .