Malini Rajurkar : Gwalior Gharana

One of the foremost exponents of Gwalior Gharana, Malini Rajurkar is one of the most well known vocalists of her generation. She was born in 1941 to music loving parents and brought up in a middle class household in Rajasthan. Even though music classes at school revealed her talent, Malini was not expected to go beyond fulfilling family duties and taking up a safe, respectable job. In fact, for three years she taught mathematics at the Savitri Girls' High School & College, Ajmer, where she had graduated in the same subject.



But Malini was destined for bigger things. Taking advantage of a three-year scholarship that came her way, she finished her Sangeet Nipun from the Ajmer Music College, studying music under the guidance of Govindrao Rajurkar and his nephew, who was to become her future husband, Vasantrao Rajurkar.

Settled in Hyderabad for over 40 years since the 1970s, her training in her gurus' style has rooted Malini in the Gwalior approach. However, she has felt free to adopt aspects of other styles to create her own. She has been influenced by the likes of K.G.Ginde and Jitendra Abhisheki and by her fondness for the idiosyncratic vocalism of Kumar Gandharva. Malini Rajurkar sings khayal in the Kirana style and is an acknowledged master of Tappa and Tarana.

Bhairavi Tappa :  (Download)



Raga Maru Bihag :  (Download)



Raga Jhinjhoti :  (Download)



Though not a frequent performer, Malini has, over the years, become a name to reckon with. Her concert career started in 1964, drawing the connoisseur rather than the glitz seeker. Ever since, she has been a regular on the Indian concert circuit. She has also had successful tours of the US and UK. She has received several awards, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy award in 2001. Malini Rajurkar, in essence is a connoisseur's delight.