BIOGRAPHY

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Guru-Shishya Parampara is one of the greatest traditions of Indian classical arts. Ramesh Bapodara received his tabla training from the renowned Guru Pt. Shri Sudhir Kumar Saxena of Ajarada School of Tabla.  He completed his graduation in music with specialization in tabla from M.S. University of Baroda.

 

Ramesh comes from a traditional family of Haveli Sangeet singers, Haveli Sangeet being one of the oldest classical styles of singing. From a very young age his father Shri Vithaldas Bapodara, a famous Haveli Sangeet singer, initiated him into music. From his grandfather, Shri Vallabhdas Bapodara, who was also a very accomplished Haveli Sangeet singer, he learned to play the pakhawaj.

 

Ramesh Bapodara brings to tabla not only a mastery of technique that is a result of a thorough and meticulous training, but also a refined aesthetic sensibility, imagination and a joyful spontaneity. He has accompanied some of the best known vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers of his time, such as Pt. Shri Birju Maharaj, Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, Pt. Shri Atul Desai, Pt. Shri Ramnarayanji and Smt.Kankana Benerji.

 

Ramesh has performed extensively in India as well as over 40 countries across the world. He has worked on several international projects with dancers and musicians; amongst them are “Clowns without Frontier” of France, famous choreographer Ivaldo Bertazo of Brazil, acclaimed band “Vagchi” of Brazil, well-known choreographer Karine Saporta of France and guitarist Pedro Saler from France.

 

He has been honoured with many prestigious awards, such as the ' Tal- Mani' by the Sur-Singar Samsad of Mumbai.  Several of his audio recordings with classical as well as experimental musicians are available in stores and online. He has also written a book on Tabla titled ‘Tabla Parichay’ in Gujarati and 'Tabla Hand Book' in English.

 

Besides performing, Ramesh regularly conducts master classes in USA and Europe. For several years he worked with Kadamb Centre for Dance and Music in Ahmedabad.  Currently, he is a senior faculty member at Sangati Centre for Performing Arts and also teaches tabla at Ashtachhap Kirtan Sangeet Vidyapith, Ahmedabad, India.