Prahlad Tipanya Biography 
Prahlad Tipanya is a folk singer from Madhya Pradesh who performs Kabir bhajans in the Malwi folk style. His troupe includes a series of percussionists who carry musical instruments such as tambura, khartal, manjira, dholak, harmonium, timki, and violin, and accompany him for his musical performances. Documentary filmmaker Shabnam Virmani has made a documentary based on the life and profession of Prahlad. Three documentary films were made under a project called "Ajab Sahar- The Kabir Project". He is regular in Kabir festivals with his performances, and also runs a program named "Sadguru Kabir Shodh Sansthan".
Prahlad Tipaniya was born in a family belonging to Malwi Balai community on 7 September 1954. Luniakhedi of Tarana is his native village. This Dalit folk singer teaches science at a school in Luniakhedi village of Malwa, UP. He has intense bonding with Kabir as he feels Kabir is scientific. He was introduced to Kabir through his academic books of schooling. In the 1980s a tambur triggered him to learn more about Kabir and it endlessly fascinated him. He wanted to learn the tambur, and then started singing Kabir.
Unlike many other Kabir panthis, Prahlad is a rationalist. Prahlad even became the Mahant for a brief period and put himself through the rituals, hoping to understand the complex nature of bhakti, and thus bring reformation. In fact, Prahald is constantly thinking, revising and extending his observations. He has been a part of 'Yatras' named as "Amerika Me Kabir Yatra" and "Had-Anhad", and has also performed for All India Radio, which has been aired from different stations. He is also an activist with an organisation called Ekalavya.
Published: February 18, 2019
Updated: February 18, 2019
