Gopal Krishan Biography 
Pandit Gopal Krishan was a renowned musician who played vichitra veena. Widely regarded as the best artist of Vichitra Veena, he also trained numerous students with this string instrument, rarely practised now. He belongs to a musical family with strong cultural heritage. His father Nand Kishore was a noted Surbahar player and a vocalist, who taught him early lessons of music. Gopal Krishan has also composed many tunes, which are noticed for their uniqueness, Dhamar as well as the other rhythmic patterns. He passed away on 5 March 2004 aged 77. His rendition in dhrupad style aalap, jod and jhala are regarded as timeless.
Gopal Krishan was born into a family of musicians on 26 July 1926. Born as the son of renowned musician and vocalist Pandit Nand Kishore, Gopal followed the same footsteps and took initial musical lessons from his father. Following his death, Gopal continued his musical lessons under Pandit Khubchand Bramchari of the Gwalior Gharana. Gopal has been regular in AIR with his performances, and known to be an accomplished musician of Vichitra Veena. He also took musical lessons from sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Apart from Vichitra Veena, he also practised Hindustani music and was a renowned vocalist too. He also played tabla, guitar and a folk instrument called iktara. He used to play ragas in pure form, for which he is known most. As a musician he also created new compositions and ragas. He created the ragas - Shiv Onkar and Tilak Malhar. He participated in several prestigious national programmes and music conferences organised by AIR and Doordarshan. In 1994 government of India honoured him with Sangeet Natak Academy Award. He passed away on 5 March 2004 aged 77. His son Pandit Shree Krishan Sharma is following his legacy, and currently an accomplished artist of vichitra veena and guitar.
Published: October 08, 2018
Updated: October 08, 2018
