Nagaraja Rao Havaldar (born 17 July 1959) is a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist from Karnataka, India. Known for his deep-rooted training and contributions to both performance and pedagogy, he represents the rich confluence of the Kirana and Jaipur-Atrauli gharanas.
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Nagaraja Rao Havaldar
Education
Musical Training
Havaldar received rigorous training under Pandit Madhava Gudi, a foremost disciple of the Kirana maestro Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. He is also a disciple of Panchakshari Swami Mattigatti, a senior student of the illustrious Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.
During his six-year “Sangeetha Ratna” degree course in Hindustani Classical Music at Karnatak University, Dharwad, he had the privilege of learning under many stalwarts, including:
- Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (then Head of the Department of Music)
- Pandit Panchakshari Swami Mattigatti
- Pandit Basavaraj Rajaguru (Kirana Gharana)
- Pandit Sangameshwar Gurav (Kirana Gharana)
- Dr B. D. Pathak
Academic Qualifications
Apart from his musical credentials, Havaldar holds:
- A Sangeetha Ratna degree in Hindustani Classical Music from Karnatak University.
- A Master’s degree in History and Archaeology, where he graduated as a gold medallist.
- A Doctorate in Music from Karnatak University, with his thesis titled “The History of Classical Music in Karnataka.”
Career
Performances
Havaldar has performed extensively across India and abroad. His concerts have graced esteemed festivals such as:
- Hampi Utsava
- Mysore Dasara Durbar Festival
- Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, Varanasi
He has also toured the United States and the United Kingdom, presenting both classical and thematic concerts.
Though deeply influenced by the Kirana style, Havaldar is equally adept at rendering complex Jaipur-Atrauli ragas such as Basanti Kedar, Basanti Kanada, and Nat Malhar.
A pioneer of the Kannada Khayal, he has adapted traditional khayal forms to include Vachanas, compositions by Haridasas, and other literary works in Kannada, thus enriching the regional musical repertoire.
Composing
As a composer, Havaldar has scored music for various plays and television productions, including:
- Taledanda by Girish Karnad
- Gunamukha by P. Lankesh, staged by the theatre group Roopantara
- The televised version of Master Hirannayya’s Lanchavatara
- The teleserial Mukhamukhi by T. N. Seetharam
He has also collaborated with a theatre group in Indianapolis, USA, for the musical composition of a spiritually themed play.
Teaching and Lectures
Havaldar is a passionate educator. He conducts lecture-demonstrations and workshops for companies such as:
- Wipro
- Computer Associates
- Birla 3M
- Khodays
These sessions often focus on topics like “Stress Management through Music” and “Appreciation of Hindustani Classical Music.”
He teaches Hindustani music both in Bengaluru and internationally, offering workshops and remote lessons for students in the USA and UK. Many of his disciples have gone on to become noted musicians, including:
- His son Omkarnath Havaldar (vocalist)
- Chaitra H. G., a popular Kannada playback singer
Other Roles
- Former Programme Executive at the Music Archives, All India Radio, Hubli (1988–1991)
- Former Chairman of the Textbook Committee for Hindustani Music, under the Directorate of Textbooks, Karnataka
Personal Life
Nagaraja Rao Havaldar was born in Hosapete, in Bellary District, Karnataka, where he spent his formative years. He currently resides in Bengaluru. His sons are also musically inclined:
- Omkarnath Havaldar is an accomplished vocalist.
- Kedarnath Havaldar is a promising tabaliya (tabla player).
Legacy and Contribution
Through his performances, compositions, teaching, and research, Dr Nagaraja Rao Havaldar continues to play a vital role in the evolution and preservation of Hindustani classical music in Karnataka and beyond. His efforts to blend tradition with regional literature and his commitment to teaching have left a lasting impact on the musical landscape.