A special devotional music programme titled “Vitthalachya Payi” will be held on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 3, 2025, at 7 pm at Vishnuji Ki Rasoi in Bajaj Nagar, Nagpur. The event is being jointly organised by Swarmala and Vishnuji Ki Rasoi.
As part of the event, Deepak Kulkarni, Assistant Director (Programmes) at the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, will present Marathi devotional songs and abhangs. Kulkarni, who also holds additional charge as Deputy Director, is a trained classical singer and theatre artist.
Kulkarni has received music training from Shankar Rao Gurav of Goa and his elder brother Vinod Kulkarni. He holds a commerce degree from Marathwada University, a diploma in theatre from Goa Kala Academy, and an MFA in theatre from Nagpur University. He is skilled in singing, tabla, theatre, and painting.
He has acted in well-known plays such as Macbeth, Medea, King Oedipus, Adhe Adhure, Thank You Mr. Glad, and Andhayug. Over the years, he has been mentored by several prominent personalities including Prof. Kamalakar Sontakke, Dr. Arun Prabhune, Jaydev Hattangadi, Rohini Hattangadi, Bhaskar Chandavarkar, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Dr. Ashok Ranade, V.V. Shirwadkar, P.L. Deshpande, Vasant Joshlkar, and Padmashri Joshlkar.
Kulkarni has had close associations with legendary artists such as Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishori Amonkar, Pt. Jasraj, and Gangubai Hangal.
He has actively participated in major national events including the National Games in Pune, Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, and the Pune Festival. Through the SCZCC, he has also led events like the Orange City Craft Mela and the Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Music Festival.
Kulkarni is a member of All India Radio’s folk music evaluation committee and has performed in many notable music programmes in Nagpur. Organisers have invited music lovers to attend the free programme and be part of the devotional evening dedicated to Lord Vitthal.
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