Mukul Shivputra


Pandit Mukul Shivputra is a Hindustani Classical vocalist of the Gwalior Gharana and the son and foremost disciple of Pt. Kumar Gandharva.

Early life and training

Born in Bhopal to Bhanumati Kouns and Kumar Gandharva, Mukul took to musical training early on from his father. He continued his musical education in Dhrupad and Dhamar with K. G. Ginde and in Carnatic Music with M. D. Ramanathan.

Performing career

Since his teens, Pt. Shivputra regularly accompanied his father on Tanpura for vocal support. In 1975, Pt. Shivputra, then known as "Mukul Komkalimath," debuted his first performance at the 23rd Sawai Gandharva Music Festival being the first in his generation of singers to debut a performance at the prestigious venue.
Since his wife's death, Pt. Shivputra has performed infrequently and irregularly in the public, which most attribute to his alcoholism.
Pt. Shivputra is also known for his temperamental antics on the concert stage, from lecturing his accompanists on how to play their instruments, to showing up drunk to his performances.

Personal life

Mukul lost his wife after the birth of their son, Bhuvanesh Komkali, who is also a vocalist. Mukul has been treated for addiction at Indore Deaddiction Clinic. He currently lives in Pune.
He conducts workshops to identify young talent and plans to set up his own music school

Articles on Performances