Posted on 24 January 2026:

Anjali Malkar – The Crystal Voice of Gwalior-Jaipur Gharana and Chronicler of Hindustani Classical Music’s 700-Year Legacy

Renowned vocalist Anjali Malkar stands as one of the most luminous figures in Hindustani classical music today. Well-known for her melodious, crystal-clear voice, she embodies the rich traditions of the Gwalior–Jaipur Gharana, while simultaneously expanding its horizons with her versatility and depth.

For Anjali Malkar, music is not merely performance—it is sadhan, a spiritual journey of self-discovery. Every note she renders carries this philosophy, resonating with transparent emotion and meaningful expression that touches both the connoisseur and the common listener alike.

A truly multidimensional artist, Anjali Malkar walks gracefully across the roles of performer, researcher, prolific writer and ever-experimenting teacher. Her artistry is matched by her intellectual rigor, as she delves into the historical and cultural layers of Hindustani music with rare diligence. Her teaching style reflects innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that classical music remains alive, approachable, and relevant for new generations.

Equally striking is her deep-rooted social consciousness in the field of music.

Anjali Malkar has consistently strived to make classical traditions more appreciable and enjoyable to wider audiences. Her thematic programs—Barkha Ritu Ayee, Tarana, Prakashyatri Kusumagraj, Rang Basant, Namaa Mhane, Raag Rang Ras Gavo, and Soor Shravani—stand as creative bridges between tradition and accessibility, inviting listeners into the vibrant world of ragas and poetic resonance.

Her most recent scholarly contribution marks a milestone in Indian music history. Published by Maharashtra Sahitya Sanskruti Mandal, Anjali has authored two monumental volumes tracing 700 years of Hindustani classical music—from the 13th century to India’s independence. This magnum opus not only documents the evolution of the art form but also reflects her lifelong dedication to preserving and contextualizing its legacy for future generations.

Through her voice, her pen and her pedagogy, Anjali Malkar emerges as both a custodian and a visionary—a rare artist who honors tradition while fearlessly embracing innovation.

From Tender Beginnings to Eminent Recognition

Initiated into the world of music at a tender age by her mother, Smt. Tara Basole, vocalist Anjali Malkar was destined to walk the path of melody and devotion. Her innate aptitude was nurtured under the guidance of illustrious gurus such as Pandit Madhusudan Bhave, Pandit  Yashwant Kshirsagar, and Pandit  C.R. Vyas, each shaping her artistry with the depth of their wisdom. After completing her post-graduation in classical music from S.N.D.T. University, Pune, with a First Class degree, Anjali immersed herself in the profound discipline of khayal Gayaki under the tutelage of Dr. Veena Sahasrabuddhe, a stalwart exponent of the tradition, for nearly a decade.

Her journey of refinement continued with Dr. Vikas Kashalkar, the renowned vocalist and guru of the Gwalior–Jaipur Gharana, who imparted to her the subtle intricacies of khayal. Today, she remains guided by Vidushi Kumudini Katdare and Dr. Milind Malshe, whose mentorship deepens her understanding of the nuanced Jaipur Gayaki. Beyond khayal, Anjali’s voice finds joy in the devotional strains of Abhangs and Nirguni bhajans, reflecting her versatility and spiritual resonance.

Her dedication and artistry have been recognized at the national level. She is a recipient of a prestigious fellowship from the Human Resource Department, Government of India, awarded to performing artists of distinction. As a graded artist of Akashvani Pune, her voice has reached countless listeners, carrying the timeless beauty of Hindustani classical music. Her contributions have earned her accolades such as the Sangeet Ratna by Kashi Sangeet Samaj, Varanasi, and the Swar Sadhana Puraskar by Gaanvardhan, Pune, affirming her stature as one of the eminent torchbearers of the tradition.

Through her lifelong pursuit of excellence, Anjali Malkar embodies the spirit of Hindustani classical music—rooted in tradition, enriched by scholarship, and elevated by soulful expression.

Scholarship, Teaching, and Global Performances

With an unwavering dedication to making classical music accessible to all, Anjali Malkar has enriched the field not only through her performances but also through her writings. Her pioneering book, Marathwadyatil Abhijaat Sangeet, documents 700 years of classical music in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, standing as a landmark contribution to music history. Alongside her scholarship, she has released two acclaimed CDs—Piya and Abhivyakti: An Expression—which capture the depth and clarity of her artistry.

An ever-experimenting teacher, Anjali Malkar has nurtured countless students with her innovative approach. As a qualified lecturer (N.E.T.), she has served as visiting faculty in several colleges, while also being a panelled Guru at Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Performing Arts faculty and Mentor at M.E.S. Institute Pune. Her vision extends further through her role as Director of Roop–Bandish Foundation, an institute dedicated to the propagation of Hindustani classical music.

Her artistry has resonated across India and beyond, with performances at prestigious festivals such as Sangeet Sankalp Saptak (Ahmedabad), Alladiya Khan Festival (Mumbai), Poorvacharya Smruti Samaroh (Kashi Vishva Vidyalaya), Kashi Sangeet Samaj (Varanasi), Narayan Gune Smruti Samaroh (Allahabad), Ellora Festival (Aurangabad), Shankar Darbar Festival (Nanded), Ganvardhan (Pune), and internationally at the Braunschweig International Festival, Germany. Each stage she graces becomes a testament to her ability to blend tradition with innovation, scholarship with performance, and devotion with artistry.

A Legacy of Awards, Workshops and Research

Crowned with honors such as the Sangeet Ratna by Kashi Sangeet Samaj, Varanasi and the Swar Sadhana Puraskar by Gaanvardhan, Pune, alongside being a graded artist of Akashvaani Pune and recipient of a prestigious Government of India fellowship, Anjali Malkar stands as a beacon in the world of Hindustani classical music. Her artistry is matched by her commitment to nurturing appreciation among audiences and students alike. Through her thoughtfully designed workshops—ranging from appreciation of Indian music and its forms to presentation aspects in classical music and elaboration tips for ragas common and uncommon—she has opened doors for countless listeners to engage deeply with the tradition.

Her scholarly spirit shines through her contributions to research projects such as Garbhsangeet and My Breath, undertaken by Manshakti Kendra, Lonavla, reflecting her belief that music is both a cultural inheritance and a living, evolving practice. 

In every role—performer, teacher, writer and researcher—Anjali Malkar continues to embody the timeless essence of Hindustani classical music while ensuring its resonance for generations to come.