Meet the extraordinary Indian disabled musicians who turn adversity into applause and talent into timeless tunes
Music has no language, it flows from the soul and connects directly to the heart. It brings people together and speaks to everyone, no matter where they’re from or what they’ve been through. Here is a list of 10 Indian disabled musicians who have defied expectations and shattered stereotypes, proving that talent has no boundaries.
These persons with disabilities and artists, have mastered their craft and inspired others with their resilience, passion, and dedication. These extraordinary musicians continue to redefine the meaning of ability through music.
Plato once said that “Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”
1. Gokul Chand
Gokul Chand is a talented violinist and the senior most artist in the Swarotkarsh Musical Group. A music teacher by profession,he holds an MA in Music with a specialization in vocal music from Delhi University and a Sangeet Visharad in instrumental music with a specialization in violin from Gandharv Maha Vidyalaya. Even after being diagnosed by low visibility this talented instrumentalist is proficient in playing Indian classical music, semi-classical music, and Bollywood songs on the violin. He has also participated in group performances at the Indian Habitat Centre, Silly Lilly, Indian Islamic Centre, and Talkatora Indoor Auditorium. Gokul completed a musical tour in the US, performing in various shows over a 2.5-month period. Gokul’s soulful tunes and confidence makes him a perfect fit and one of the best disabled musicians in India to make any moment magical.
2. Ganesh Eshwar Bhat
Born in Mysuru, Ganesh Eshwar Bhat is a multi talented musician is proficient in playing piano and the keyboard. Bhat was born disabled with just one finger in each hand and one toe in each foot. Doctors diagnosed it as ‘Congenital absence of fingers’. A talented musician, Bhat, has played keyboard in over 3,000 music concerts and programs worldwide. At 16, he enrolled in vocal classes and took his first lessons in Hindustani music. He later joined JSS Polytechnic for the differently abled in Mysuru and completed a Diploma in architecture. Bhat has accompanied notable singers and artists, and has toured and given shows across Karnataka and other countries. He has also arranged instrumentation for over 100 audio CDs and composed music for films and short films. Bhatt has defied all odds and mesmerized audiences with his soulful melodies.
3. Baluji Shrivastav OBE
Baluji Shrivastav OBE, is a talented Indian multi-instrumentalist, who was blinded at just eight months old.But today he has become one of the world’s leading composers and sitar players. He has performed and recorded with renowned tabla accompanists such as Anindo Chatterji and Ustad Fayaz Khan, and has collaborated with international artists such as Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Massive Attack, Madness, Shakira, Malu, Boy George & Doves to name a few. He has released over fifteen studio albums, including Indian Classical Interactions, Seasons of India, Classical Indian Sitar & Surbahar Ragas, Shadow of the Lotus, Baluji Shrivastav Re-Orient – Indian World Music Fusion, and Best of Baluji Shrivastav OBE 2017. The Baluji Music Foundation was established in 2008 to recognize and support blind musicians and founded The Inner Vision Orchestra of blind and visually impaired musicians.
4. Varun Khullar
Varun Khullar popularly known as Aamish is an Indian DJ and music producer. He is recognized on the Limca Book of Records for being India’s first and only disabled DJ.Aamish, born in Delhi in 1991, is a DJ who began his career in 2014 after an accident. He completed his education at ITL Public School Dwarka and Delhi University. Aamish was paralyzed while pursuing his master’s degree at Amity University. Despite the accident, he continued his passion for music, learning from books for two years. In 2016, he joined ILM Academy in Gurgaon, and in 2017, he joined Kitty Su in Delhi. Aamish has performed at TimeOut 72 events in Goa.Varun, who primarily explores genres like deep house, techno, and hip-hop, is equally a fan of legendary bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. His infectious energy and dynamic personality make him the perfect choice for hosting unforgettable parties.
5. Hemalatha Mani
Born in Chennai, Hemalatha Mani is considered one of the most talented veena players in the country. Despite losing her sight, she has performed at various music festivals and mesmerized audiences with her melodious tunes.. With the support of her husband OPS Manian, her daughters, and her guru Chitti Babu, she has become a true inspiration. Hemalatha Mani has been awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Parallel Music Fest (PMF), a platform celebrating disabled classical musicians in Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western genres. Her performances often include renditions of Tamil devotional compositions, such as the Thirukkural and Tiruppavai, reflecting her love for Tamil literature and spirituality. Hemalatha’s presence radiates warmth, discipline, and divine musical energy which makes her the perfect choice for musical events.
6. Ritvik Rajan
Ritvik Rajan, a visually impaired and cognitively challenged musician, is a versatile singer with a remarkable voice. Trained in Hindustani classical, Western classical, Western rock, and pop, he has mastered a wide musical spectrum. Ritvik is known as a karaoke wizard and has performed on over 2000 stages across India and abroad. He has performed for companies like Sheraton Grand Hotel (BLR), First American, and PWC.A B-high grade artist with All India Radio, Bangalore, his talent has earned him numerous accolades. With his melodious voice and charismatic personality, Ritvik Rajan brings heart and soul to every musical performance.
7. Karaikal R. Jaisankar
Karaikal R. Jaisankar is a visually impaired Carnatic vocalist and music composer from Chennai. Jaisankar pursued his musical aspirations at Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts at Kalakshetra Foundation, where he completed a five-year postgraduate diploma in just four years. He has performed at prestigious sabhas in Chennai and internationally. Earning the “Promising Differently Abled Artiste” award at the Parallel Music Festival. Jaisankar has been teaching music since the age of 16 and continues to mentor students worldwide.Hire Karaikal R. Jaisankar for his soulful voice and heartfelt compositions which create a deep connection with audiences.
8. Devansh Chandra
Devansh Chandra, known as the Autism Warrior Singer and a remarkable child prodigy, has captivated people with his extraordinary talent. As the winner of The Special Voice and the 1st runner-up in Golden Voice 2, Devansh has showcased his exceptional vocal abilities on some of the biggest platforms. Devansh, a non-formal trained musician, has been learning music since age 2.5 and has achieved numerous accolades, including being the first autism warrior to perform at a TEDx Talk and receiving the International Maitri Award 2022. He has performed at various events and venues, including Talkatora Stadium, India Today (Gujrat) channel, and Aajtak Conclave. Devansh Chandra is ideal for any musical event as he makes every moment mesmerizing with his melodious voice and energetic performances.
9. Revathy N
Revathy N is a Carnatic musician and a professional violinist with over 20 years of training under Vadyaratna Kalanjoor D. Vishwanathan. She has performed at temples, weddings, and other events for almost 15 years. She runs “Sapthaswara Music,” a music school where she teaches vocal and violin to students. Revathy has showcased her musical talents in vocal classical music concerts, fusion programs, and as an accompanying violinist for classical concerts. Revathy is known for her sincerity, exceptional professionalism, and ability to engage and connect genuinely with diverse audiences. Known for her warm presence and clear communication, she effortlessly creates a comfortable and lively atmosphere at every event.
10. Shibani Ghosh
Shibani Ghosh is an autistic and visually impaired singer from Krishnanagar, West Bengal, known for her resilience and talent. Despite societal challenges and misconceptions, her mother, Sujata Ghosh, encouraged her to pursue music. Shibani pursued a B.A. in Vocal Music at Rabindra Bharati University and has performed on platforms like All India Radio Akashvani Kolkata and Yubabani on Adhunik. Her debut CD, Tagore Vision, showcased her dedication to Rabindra Sangeet. Shibani, was also awarded the “Talentino Award” by Colours Bangla, for challenging societal perceptions by proving that with passion and support, disabilities do not limit one’s potential. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and perseverance. Making her a standout performer in various events.
Conclusion
The extraordinary lives of these top ten disabled musicians inspire us because they demonstrate great skill,perseverance, and determination. In spite of all the obstacles these persons with disabilities had to overcome. They’ve revolutionized the music industry and the way we make and listen to music. Disability is never an obstacle to pursuing one’s passions or being creative. These disabled musicians inspire us all to accept our uniqueness and follow our aspirations with courage, demonstrating that music truly has no bounds.
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