Classical beats, modern crowd: Bengaluru was left enchanted by Pandit Venkatesh Kumar's concert

Basavanagudi came alive at the Ganesha Utsava 2025 when legendary Hindustani vocalist Pandit Venkatesh Kumar and his team took the stage. The air was electric, the music soulful, and the audience—made up largely of youngsters and middle-aged fans—proved that Bengaluru’s love for classical music is anything but fading. The concert wasn’t just a performance, it was an experience that left the city talking long after the final note faded.

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The performance sparked a wave of reactions online. Listeners highlighted how Kumar sang the much-loved piece Thodedu Jeevesabohude Hari Ninna Charanagala, a devotional song that speaks of giving up everything in life except devotion to Hari’s feet. Many praised his energy, saying he was in full form and sounded incredible even on the YouTube livestream.

For others, the evening turned into a family celebration. One Bengaluru resident shared how they attended with their spouse, children, and parents, calling it one of their favorite annual events. The nostalgia ran deep as well. Fans spoke about how the song brought back childhood memories, reminding them of school competitions and the joy of singing Bhakti Geete before life’s changes dimmed their voices. In the end, the sentiment was unanimous: Pandit Venkatesh Kumar is a once-in-a-generation musician whose voice and music continue to leave people spellbound.

Who is Pandit Venkatesh Kumar?

Pandit M. Venkatesh Kumar is among India’s most respected Hindustani vocalists, celebrated for his soulful renditions of devotional compositions by saints like Swami Haridas and Kanakadasa. Trained in both the Kirana and Gwalior gharanas, his music carries a distinct identity, often sprinkled with subtle Carnatic influences—a reflection of his guru Puttaraj Gawai’s diverse training.

Kumar’s journey began at the age of 15 when he was taken to the Veereshwara Punyashrama in Gadag. There, under the guidance of Puttaraj Gawai, he immersed himself in music for 12 years, mastering the craft with discipline and devotion. Over time, he developed a style that blends gharanas with his own emotive depth, drawing inspiration from maestros like Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. His contribution to Indian classical music has been widely recognised. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, cementing his place as a cultural treasure.