Vidushi Jyotiji Hegde

Introduction

Vidushi Jyotiji Hegde is a celebrated Rudraveena maestro and one of India's foremost exponents of the Khandarbani style of Dhrupad. She is the sole female disciple of the legendary Ustad Asad Ali Khan Sahab, and the only torchbearer of the Khandarbani tradition on the Rudraveena.

Her musical journey began under Dr. Bindu Madhav Pathak of the Kirana Gharana, before she found her true calling in the ancient Dhrupad tradition. She later deepened her artistry under the guidance of Pt. Indudhar Nirody of the Agra Gharana, whose influence is reflected in her meticulous attention to Bandish.

Jyotiji follows the traditional method of playing the Rudraveena, allowing the instrument to rest entirely on the body, creating a profound connection between player and sound.

She is an A+ Top Grade artist of All India Radio and has performed at prestigious national and international festivals, including the Darbar Festival in London. Her music has reached audiences across the UK, France, Portugal, the USA, and Abu Dhabi.

She has been honored with the Dhrupadmani Award, Nada-nidhi Award, Sardar Patel National Integration Award, Madhuwan Ratna Purskar, and Kanakshree Puraskar among many others.

Today, Jyotiji runs the 'Swami Rama Veenagram' Gurukul under the Himalayan Universal Trust near Sirsi, Karnataka. This institution was founded by her to preserve and propagate the rare Rudraveena and the Dhrupad tradition. Students from across the world come here to learn Rudraveena, Sitar, and the Dhrupad style, carrying this ancient legacy forward.