Endowed with a wholly original, melodious and extremely rich voice, Kalapini is widely recognized as one of the finest and well - trained classical vocalists of India. She is the daughter and disciple of the legendary Pandit Kumar Gandharva and has also been trained by her illustrious mother, Vidushi Vasundhara Komkali. Kalapini learnt from her distinguished parents not only the technique and grammar of her art but also inherited a capacity for creativity and reflection.
Strengthening her hold over her inheritance with a fine sense of understanding, she is an artiste with her own vision and a vocalist who carries a profound degree of sensitivity and intensity. Her performances are marked by youthful imagination, artistic thoughtfulness and a mature command over various aspects of classical vocalism.
Her musical lineage is most manifest in her emphasis laid on the rendition of the bandish (composition), its bhava or meaning, and in the studied restraint which does not allow the notes, or laya (tempo), to overwhelm the lyrics. The full melodic range and versatility of her voice provide a silhouette but they are never allowed to dominate the rendition by naturally sliding into vocal acrobatics.
Her range of swaras has the ability to convey various bhavas (emotions). The improvisations made by her are generally rooted in the Gwalior gayaki, but carry her own distinct identity.
Kalapini's wide repertoire of ragas and compositions is further supplemented by the presentation of the traditional songs of Malwa representing the folkore and ethnic flavour of the region. The Sagun-Nirgun bhajans (devotional songs) of the various saint poets rendered in her inimitable style provide an ascetic flavour to Kalapini's music.
Under the aegis of Kumar Gandharva Pratishthan, she has organized music festivals across all major cities of India and at Dewas to bring together major scholars, performers, as well as young artists. A performer of uncommon perception, Kalapini is popular amongst the youth for her lecture - demonstrations of Indian Classical Music.
Acknowledging her immense contribution to Indian Classical music, she has been awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2023 by the Government of India.
Kalapini lives in Dewas, Central India. She is an active trustee of the Kumar Gandharva Pratishthan.
Commercial releases of her studio recordings include, 'Aarambha' and 'Inheritance', released by HMV; and 'Dharohar' released by Times Music. 'Swar- Manjari', a live concert recording, was released by Virgin Records. Kalapini has also recorded for sound tracks of the films, 'Paheli' and 'Devi Ahilya'.
“Kalapini Komkali is widely recognized as one of the finest and well-trained classical vocalists of the younger generation. Endowed with a rich and bold voice Kalapini deepening her hold over and understanding of her inheritance, has evolved her own vision and is well on her way to evolve a distinct style of her own. She has a rich repertoire to choose from, a mind full of curiosity, a youthful imagination and a mature command over various aspects of classical vocalism. Her range of expression covers the tersely classical and earthy folk of the Malwa region and the movingly devotional and meditative. This indeed is a tall order, but she has shown a consistent and continuous growth as a musician singing with self-confidence and abandon.”
- Shri Ashok Vajpeyi- Eminent Hindi poet, critic and editor"
