Mukul Shivputra Biography 
Mukul Shivputra is a Hindustani vocalist and one of the leading exponents of the Gwalior gharana. He is the son of renowned singer Kumar Gandharva, from his first wedlock. His stepmother Vasundhara Komkali was also a Hindustani vocalist and one of the leading exponents of the Gwalior gharana, and recipient of numerous honours including 2009 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and 2006 Padmi Shri.
Mukul Shivputra was earlier known as Mukul Komkalimath. He was born in Indore, MP on 25 March 1956. He was born into a musical family as the son of renowned singer Kumar Gandharva and his first wife Bhanumati Kans. He lost his mother following her second delivery in 1961. Mukul was 5 years old then, and a younger brother was born to him. His father married Vasundhara Komkali, one of his favourite disciples the following year, and Mukul has one step-sister too. Later his stepmother performed as a vocal accompanist to his father for the next thirty years, till his death aged 67. She also looked after the younger kids.
Mukul Shivputra was initiated to music by his father at a very young age, and he later continued his musical training in Dhrupad and Dhamar with K. G. Ginde and in Carnatic Music with M. D. Ramanathan. Also he regularly accompanied his father on Tanpura for vocal support, right from teens. Mukul gave his first public performance in 1975 at the 23rd Sawai Gandharva Music Festival. He was the first vocalist belonging to his generation who gave his debut performance at this music festival, which is indeed a unique achievement. After his wife’s death, he is not regular with his public performances.
Published: January 05, 2020
Updated: January 05, 2020
