Sri Shubhendra Rao



A brilliant disciple of sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Shubhendra Rao is among the foremost of the new generation of Indian Classical instrumentalists. He is a true exemplar of Baba Allauddin Khan Saheb's Maihar Senia Gharana. His first teacher was his father, Sri. N.R. Rama Rao, himself a senior disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar. Impressed with his talent and dedication, the great maestro accepted him as his disciple. Soon, he started accompanying his Guru on the concert stage in many of his concerts. Today, Shubhendra is one of the very few of his generation to have acquired his learning in the true spirit of the Guru Shishya tradition. As a soloist he has been acknowledged by connoisseurs and critics as a worthy successor to his Guru's tradition. A critic write, "... Shubhendra establishes a fine rapport, both with his music and his audience. His concerts are sensitive, aesthetically appealing and musically insightful. With a fine command of technique and innovative creativity, he evokes the various facets of the music and its moods, rendering a wholesome perspective and maturity, far belying his years". An "A" Grade artist of All India Radio, Shubhendra Rao has performed both on National Television and Radio. He has performed extensively in India, North America, Europe and the former U.S.S.R. A few highlights of his career include:

  • Theatre de la Ville, Paris
  • International Music day, Hungary
  • Womad Festival, England
  • Shankaral Festival, New Dheli
  • Vasantahabba Festival, Bangalore
and is a part of the orchestra conducted by Pandit Ravi Shankar in The Kremlin, Russia. He has also performed in prestigious venues in Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, England and in major cities across Canada and the U.S.A.


"...long stretch of Alap seemed to be his special delight... classical air was adhered to, unwavering and exclusive..." City Scan, New Delhi

"...heartening to watch a gimmick free recital, when playing to the gallery has become the norm..." Statesman, Calcutta

"...his recital did credit to both his in-born talent and his systematic and sound training. His precision for Sur and penchant for depth were much in advance of his young age..." Sunday Observer, New Delhi

"...came out as a self-possessed performer with a fine command of technique and instrumentation and an equally admirable sense of melodic visualization...there was the characteristic tranquil grace as he conjured up the mood if the raga..." Times of India, Bombay

"... Shubhendra Rao's sitar recital was outstanding... purity of his playing reminded one of the beenkars of yore... technique and talent tied up to merge in a meaningful marriage..." Hindusthani Times, New Delhi

"...cast a magical spell on his listeners... has fully imbibed the style of his mentor and embellished his music with numerous innovative idea..." Times of India, Bombay

"...the question of a note going astray or losing color or being underfed was out of the reckoning... not once did one find him overstepping the limits of aesthetical propriety, design or methodical delineation of the raga, or going out of his way to win cheap approval..." The Hindu, New Delhi

Shubhendra Rao
B-368, 2nd floor
C.R. Park
New Delhi - 110019
Tel: 6291165

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