A Hindustani Vocal Recital featuring Shri. Siddhartha Belmannu

Date: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, 8:30 AM EST

Venue: India Cultural & Spiritual Center

Tabla: Roopak Kallurkar

Harmonium: Prasad Kamath

Shri. Siddhartha Belmannu

Siddhartha Belmannu stands as one of the most promising young voices in contemporary Indian classical music, recognized as both a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist and successful playback singer. Born into a music-loving family in Karnataka, Siddhartha has emerged as a versatile artist who seamlessly bridges the worlds of classical tradition and popular cinema, representing a new generation of musicians who honor ancient traditions while embracing modern opportunities.

Early Life and Musical Foundation

Siddhartha Belmannu was born on October 2, 1996, in Karkala, Udupi district of Karnataka, to music enthusiast parents Usha and Prasad Belmannu. His parents recognized quite early that he was blessed with an exceptionally gifted voice, fluent across three octaves, and possessed a natural musical inclination that would define his future.

Discerning his extraordinary musical talent, his parents immediately enrolled him for formal musical education at the tender age of five. His initial musical journey began with training in Carnatic Classical Music under Vidushi Smt. Suma Srinath for four years, providing him with a strong foundation in South Indian classical traditions.

Transition to Hindustani Classical Music

Later, Siddhartha was attracted toward Hindustani Classical Music and began his studies under the tutelage of renowned Hindustani musician Sri P.R. Manjunath. This transition marked a pivotal moment in his musical development, as he began to explore the rich traditions of North Indian classical music.

At a very young age, Siddhartha had already demonstrated tremendous progress and yearned to become a full-fledged performing artist. His dedication and natural talent soon brought him to the attention of one of India's most respected classical musicians.

Training Under Pandit Vinayak Torvi

Siddhartha's good fortune led him to train under the legendary musician Pandit Vinayak Torvi, the doyen of both Gwalior and Kirana Gharanas. For over 13 years (initially reported as 8 years, now extended to over 13 years), he has been undergoing rigorous training in the traditional Gurukul system under Pandit Torvi's guidance.

This intensive training under one of India's most revered classical musicians has shaped Siddhartha into a master of both gharana traditions, allowing him to develop a distinctive style that incorporates the best elements of both classical schools.

Professional Performance Career

Early Recognition and Awards

Siddhartha has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including:

• Karnataka State Award (2018) - For Best Male Playback Singer
• Forbes India 30 Under 30 (2021) - Special mention in the Music category
• Shanmukha Sangeet Shiromani Award (2023) - Recognition for classical music excellence
• Hayavadana Award - By Hayavadana Dasa Sahitya
• Kalaa Prathibhothsava Award - Karnataka Government recognition
• JAIN IDOL Award - SBM Jain College
• Voice of Bangalore Award - SBM Jain College
• Voice of KSIT, Voice of 8th Mile - RV College of Engineering
• Voice of SJBIT - Various institutional competitions
• Radio City Super Singer - Radio City 91.1 FM contest winner

International and National Performances

Since the age of 19, Siddhartha has been performing across the country on prestigious platforms. He has toured internationally with his guru Pandit Vinayak Torvi, gaining invaluable concert experience and performing techniques in India, the United States, and other countries.

His performances span various formats:

• Solo Classical Concerts - Showcasing his mastery of Hindustani classical ragas
• Jugalbandi Performances - Collaborating with both Hindustani and Carnatic vocalists and instrumentalists
• Festival Appearances - Regular performer at classical music festivals across India

Classical Expertise

Siddhartha excels in traditional Hindustani classical music, demonstrating mastery over complex ragas and intricate musical forms. His training in both Gwalior and Kirana gharanas has given him a unique stylistic approach that combines the best of both traditions.

Light Classical and Folk Forms

Beyond classical music, Siddhartha also excels in:

• Marathi Abhangs - Devotional compositions
• Kannada Devarnaama - Devotional songs in Kannada
• Vachanaas - Philosophical and spiritual compositions

Contemporary Fusion

His originality in music has been widely appreciated in the industry, particularly his ability to adapt classical techniques to contemporary film music while maintaining the integrity of both forms.

Musical Recordings

He has released classical albums including:

• "Bhargavi" - Featuring Raag Bhargavi (composed by Pt. Vinayak Torvi), Hindi Bhajan, and Mishra Pahadi
• Various recordings in Raag Marva, Kannada Devarnama, and Raag Bhairavi

Current Status and Recognition

Based in Bangalore, Siddhartha continues to be recognized as a musical prodigy and flourishing avant-garde Indian classical musician. His dual identity as both a classical purist and successful commercial artist makes him a unique figure in the contemporary Indian music landscape.

He regularly performs at prestigious venues and festivals across India and continues his intensive training under Pandit Vinayak Torvi while maintaining an active career in both classical and film music.

Musical Philosophy

Siddhartha represents the modern classical musician who successfully balances respect for traditional gurukul training with contemporary musical opportunities. His approach demonstrates that classical music can remain vibrant and relevant in today's musical landscape without compromising its essential character.

His success in both classical and popular music spheres makes him an important ambassador for Indian classical music among younger audiences, helping to ensure the continuation and evolution of these ancient traditions.

Legacy and Future Prospects

At just 28 years old, Siddhartha Belmannu has already established himself as one of the most versatile and accomplished young musicians in India. His journey from a child prodigy in Karnataka to a nationally recognized artist represents the potential for classical music to thrive in contemporary contexts.

His continued growth under the guidance of Pandit Vinayak Torvi, combined with his success in commercial music, positions him as a bridge between traditional and modern musical expressions, ensuring that classical music remains accessible and relevant for future generations.

Roopak Kallurkar

Roopak Kallurkar Prominent Classical Tabla Player & Accompanist

Origin: Karnataka, India
Instrument: Tabla
Genre: Hindustani Classical Music
Gharana: Farrukhabad Gharana (with mastery of other gharanas)
Institution: Kallur Mahalaxmi Tabla Vidyalaya
Recognition: CCRT Scholarship Recipient

Biography

Roopak Kallurkar stands as one of India's prominent classical tabla players, representing the new generation of artists who carry forward the rich traditions of Hindustani classical music. Born into a prestigious musical family, Roopak has distinguished himself as both an exceptional accompanist and accomplished soloist, earning recognition for his technical mastery and deep understanding of classical tabla traditions.

Musical Heritage and Early Training

Roopak Kallurkar is the son and disciple of the renowned tabla maestro Dr. Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar, inheriting a legacy of musical excellence and traditional tabla pedagogy. Growing up in this environment of musical dedication, Roopak was naturally drawn to the rhythmic complexities and artistic beauty of tabla from an early age.

Under the direct tutelage of his father and guru, Dr. Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar, Roopak began his musical journey at the tender age of five. This early initiation into the guru-shishya tradition provided him with a solid foundation in both the technical and spiritual aspects of tabla playing.

Gharana Training and Versatility

Roopak primarily belongs to the Farrukhabad Gharana, one of the most respected and technically demanding schools of tabla playing. The Farrukhabad Gharana is known for its clarity of sound, intricate compositions, and sophisticated rhythmic patterns. Under his father's guidance, Roopak has mastered the distinctive characteristics of this gharana while simultaneously learning the art of playing in other gharanas as well.

This comprehensive training has made him exceptionally versatile, allowing him to adapt his playing style to complement musicians from various gharana backgrounds and musical traditions.

Academic Recognition and Achievements

Government Recognition

Roopak has been selected for the prestigious CCRT (Centre for Cultural Resources and Training) scholarship by the Government of India, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the world of music, particularly in tabla. This national-level scholarship is awarded to promising young artists who demonstrate outstanding potential in Indian classical arts.

Examination Excellence

In the recently conducted Akhila Bharata Gandharva Maha Mandal's Alankaar examination, Roopak achieved distinction, demonstrating his thorough knowledge of tabla theory, practical application, and classical music principles. This prestigious examination system evaluates musicians on their comprehensive understanding of Indian classical music.

Performance Career

Accompaniment Excellence

Roopak has established himself as one of the most sought-after tabla accompanists in the classical music circuit. His accompaniment skills extend across various forms of classical performances:

• Vocal Accompaniment: He has accompanied numerous vocalists across different gharanas and styles
• Instrumental Accompaniment: Regular collaborator with instrumentalists including sitar, bansuri, santoor, and other classical instruments
• Dance Accompaniment: Specialized in accompanying Kathak performances, understanding the intricate relationship between rhythm and classical dance

Solo Performances

As a solo artist, Roopak has performed extensively throughout India, showcasing his mastery of traditional tabla compositions, improvisation skills, and the ability to engage audiences through pure rhythmic artistry.

Notable Collaborations

Roopak has been featured in prestigious classical music concerts, including:

• Jugalbandi concerts with renowned artists
• Chamber music ensembles featuring classical Indian instruments
• Solo tabla recitals at various cultural venues

Television and Media Presence

Roopak's performances have been televised on several South Indian television channels, bringing classical tabla music to broader audiences and helping preserve and promote the art form through modern media.

Teaching and Cultural Preservation

Kallur Mahalaxmi Tabla Vidyalaya

Roopak is actively involved with the Kallur Mahalaxmi Tabla Vidyalaya, continuing the family tradition of tabla education and preservation. This institution represents the continuation of his father's pedagogical legacy and commitment to training the next generation of tabla players.

Guru-Shishya Tradition

Following the traditional guru-shishya parampara, Roopak is equally committed to continuing the legacy of his guru and father's prestigious teaching methodology, ensuring that the authentic techniques and knowledge of the Farrukhabad Gharana are preserved and transmitted to future generations.

Artistic Philosophy and Style

Roopak's playing style reflects the technical precision and aesthetic refinement of the Farrukhabad Gharana while incorporating his own artistic sensibilities. His approach to tabla encompasses:

• Technical Excellence: Mastery of complex rhythmic patterns and traditional compositions
• Aesthetic Sensitivity: Deep understanding of the supportive role of tabla in classical music
• Versatility: Ability to adapt to different musical contexts and gharana requirements
• Innovation within Tradition: Respect for classical forms while bringing fresh interpretive perspectives

Educational Background

Roopak has balanced his musical training with formal education, having studied at prestigious institutions including Jain College and Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain College in Bangalore, demonstrating the possibility of pursuing both academic and artistic excellence.

Current Status and Recognition

As one of the predominant classical tabla players in India today, Roopak continues to perform regularly at prestigious venues and festivals across the country. His reputation as both a solo artist and accompanist has established him as a vital contributor to the contemporary classical music scene.

His work represents the successful continuation of traditional tabla artistry in the modern era, bridging the gap between classical tradition and contemporary musical expression while maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the Farrukhabad Gharana.

Musical Collaborations and Repertoire

Roopak has developed an extensive repertoire that includes:

• Traditional tabla compositions from the Farrukhabad Gharana
• Classical accompaniment techniques for various ragas and talas
• Specialized rhythmic patterns for Kathak dance accompaniment
• Contemporary interpretations of classical rhythmic structures

His collaborative approach to music-making has made him a preferred accompanist for musicians seeking both technical precision and artistic sensitivity in their performances.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Roopak Kallurkar represents the continuation of a distinguished musical lineage while establishing his own artistic identity. His commitment to both performance excellence and cultural preservation ensures that the traditions of classical tabla will continue to thrive in contemporary India.

Through his teaching, performing, and dedication to the guru-shishya tradition, Roopak serves as a bridge between the established masters of the past and the emerging artists of the future, maintaining the vitality and relevance of classical Indian percussion in the modern world.

Prasad Kamath

Prasad Kamath is the son of Jayashree and Prakash Kamath. Born into a family where devotional music was an integral part of daily life, his musical journey began at the tender age of 7 under the guidance of Vidwan Mahabhaleshwar Bhagwath. Over the years, Prasad has honed his skills under the tutelage of the renowned Harmonium Maestro and composer, Sri Sudhir Nayak. This training not only gave him a fresh musical perspective but also enriched his understanding of the harmonium, deepening his ability to express musical intricacies with finesse.

Prasad is also an active member of Kala Coast, an organization working tirelessly to empower artists and celebrate the diversity of the arts across various parts of the country. He is spreading his love for music by passing on the knowledge he received from his Guru Parampara to numerous students in the small cities of Udupi and Mangalore, where Hindustani music has begun to play a significant role in the cultural ethos.

Academically, Prasad holds a B-Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka. After working with Reliance Industries for three years, he is now based in his hometown, Udupi, where he is pursuing his passion with dedication.

Prasad is also widely acknowledged for his sensitive accompaniment to Raag Sangeet, as well as his creative dynamism in semi-classical forms such as Thumri, Dadra, Bhajans, and more. With over 15 years of experience in accompanying musicians, Prasad considers his greatest achievement to be the blessings he has received from and the opportunity to accompany senior vocalists like Pt. Sajan Mishra, Pt. Vinayak Torvi, Pt. Indudhar Nirody, Pt. Ram Deshpande, Pt. Shaunak Abhisheki, Pt. Ritesh Mishra, Pt. Jayateerth Mevundi, Pt. Upendra Bhat, Pt. Milind Chittal, and Vidushi Apoorva Gokhale, among others.

He has also had the privilege of accompanying the younger generation of musicians, such as Dhananjay Hegde, Siddharth Belmannu, Aniruddh Aithal, Ramakant Gayakwad, Rutuja Lad, Priya Purushottaman, and many others.