Dr. Ashwin Mahesh Dalvi, former Chairman, Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy, hense “State Minister” of Government of Rajasthan, is an Established Sur-Bahar player and an installation artist of International repute.
Musical Training (Taleem):
Ashwin started his training in music and especially in Sitar under the guidance of his illustrious father Sri Mahesh Dalvi. In the year 2003, Ashwin started his advanced training, exclusively in Sur-Bahar and Sitar under the pupilage of renowned musicologist and Sitar Maestro Padma Bhooshan Pt. Arvind Parikh, friend and the senior most disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan Saheb. Since then, he has been getting extensive taleem of Itawa Gharana of Instrumental Music and learning intricacies of Sur-Bahar, such as developing Dhrupad and Khyal Ang, Silsilewar Badhat (Systematic development) and traditional Bandishes (compositions). Pdt. Arvind Parikh says, “Ashwin’s style of Surbahar rendering is very melodious, soulful, calming and introspective and his scholarly approach, pleasant stage presence – all colored with humility, touches a chord with the audience.” His repertoire includes a good blend of Dhrupad ang, Sur-Bahar Gayki ang and tantrakari ang.
Major performances:
Dr. Ashwin Dalvi has performed at many prestigious events all across the country and abroad, including Taj Mahotsav (Agra), Chhandayan – USA, ITC SRA-Mumbai and Kolkata, Tansen Sangeet Samaroh – Gwalior, Sankat Mochan Samaroh, Varanasi, NCPA Mumbai, India International Center-New Delhi, Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai, to name a few. Ashwin is a graded artist from All India Radio and television and regularly performs for them.
Major Awards:
Dalvi has received many prestigious awards including the title of ‘SUR MANI’, Ustad Latif Khan Award by Allauddin Khan Academy of Music, Ministry of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Arjun Kala Award, Jeevan Gaurav Puraskaar, Athak Cheshta Samman, ‘Naad Saadhak Samman, to name a few.
Academic Career:
Ashwin has been awarded Doctorate on his research work on legendary Sitar maestro Pt. Nikhil Bannerjee (Padma Bhooshan).
He has been a faculty member at renowned universities, namely Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, Banasthali University, Banasthali and Meera Girl’s College, Udaipur. He has constantly been engaged in delivering lectures, demonstrations and conducting workshops in music at various universities for devising admixtures of music streams from different lineages keeping in line with the traditions of Indian Classical and Folk Music.
Dalvi is also serving as ‘Secretary’ at “Nad Sadhna Institute for Indian Music & Research Centre”. To his credit, The Centre’s Vadyam Museum of Musical Instruments has a collection of 500 Folk and Classical musical instruments and is mapped amongst the world museums. The Centre also owns a collection of 15,000 hours of audio and video data which serves as research resources for International Scholars and Researchers.
Professional and social contributions
His Music Direction for the awarded documentary film “Bahadarpur” has been highly appreciated in the fraternity.
Ashwin designed and leaded a musical orchestra “Ahmadabad harmonic orchestra for peace everywhere” (AHOPE) at Gujrat Vidya Pith in collaboration with U.S. Consulate at Ahmadabad.
Ashwin conducted “The Grand Symphony” by 504 Musicians at the prestigious “The Voice of Unity” ensemble organized by Hindu Spiritual and service fair.
Association with Government:
Dr. Dalvi has served as The Chairman of Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy, hence “State Minister” of The Government of Rajasthan. He is a panelist in Fellowship and scholarship programs sponsored by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, The Government of India. He has also been a Board Member of Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur (Govt. of Rajasthan), West Zone Culture Centre (Govt. of India), North Zone Culture Centre (Govt. of India) and North-Central Zone Culture Centre (Govt. of India). He is amongst the panelists of Jury for the prestigious “Komal Kothari” award to be presented for the exceptional contributions in the field of Folk-Art forms of West Zonal States of India.
Contact details: E-122(a), Ram Nagar Extn. Sodala, Jaipur-302019, INDIA
Mobile-0091-9414461059, email-ashwindalvi@gmail.com
