Vidushi Shashikala Dani is a distinguished Hindustani musician and the only female exponent currently performing on the unique and rare instrument, the Jaltarang. A versatile artiste with over four decades of concert and teaching experience, she has made significant contributions to Indian classical music. An All India Radio graded artiste in both Jaltarang and the Gamaka genre of light music, Vidushi Shashikala Dani is renowned for her enchanting performances that span a wide range of genres, including Hindustani classical, semi-classical, light, and folk music. Her mastery of the Jaltarang has captivated audiences and earned acclaim from musicians and connoisseurs alike. She has performed extensively across India, enchanting listeners in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh, showcasing her exceptional artistry and dedication to this unique musical tradition.
Media Coverage (Interviews and Documentary) on DD News
Awards
- ‘Karnataka Kalashri’ Award from Govt. of Karnataka, India
- ‘Gaan Ganga’ Award from Padma Vibhushan Dr. Gangubai Hangal
- ‘Kittur Rani Chennamma’ Award from Govt. of Karnataka
- ‘Mareyada Manikya’ Award from Ashakiran Kala Trust®
- ‘Giants Music Ratna’ Award from Giants Welfare Foundation
- ‘Scholarship’ (twice) by Karnataka Sangeet Nrutya Academy.
Media Coverage – Newspapers
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Jaltarang Videos – Playlist
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Biography
Shashikala Dani was born in Kalaghatagi, a village in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, to Rukmini and Pt. D. R. Warang. Coming from a musical family, she began her journey in music at a young age under the guidance of her father and guru, Pandit D. R. Warang. Immersed in the rich atmosphere of Hindustani music throughout her childhood, she absorbed its nuances while accompanying her father to his music classes and concerts.
A Bachelor of Arts graduate, Shashikala currently resides in Hubballi with her husband, Shri Arun Dani, son of the eminent journalist and T.S.R. Awardee, the late Shri Surendra Dani. Renowned as the only female Hindustani Jaltarang performer, she has mastered this rare instrument, skillfully overcoming its inherent challenges to deliver captivating performances. After serving with dedication at the State Bank of Mysore for 33 years, Shashikala has devoted herself to preserving, developing, and promoting the Jaltarang. As one of the few remaining exponents of this unique instrument, she continues to work tirelessly to ensure its enduring legacy.
Her persistence and dedication to the Jaltarang have been deeply instilled in her son, Sugnan Dani, who is passionately carrying forward the Jaltarang tradition through his performances and scholarly research. She also established her own institute, Swara Naada Sangeeta Vidyalaya, where she is currently mentoring and guiding students in their musical journeys, nurturing the next generation of talented musicians.
Versatile Musician
Shashikala Dani is the daughter and disciple of the renowned musician and tutor, Pt. D. R. Warang. Growing up in a musically rich environment, she received comprehensive training in Hindustani vocal music and a wide array of instruments, including the Harmonium, Sitar, Tabla, Violin, Flute, Dilruba, and Jaltarang. A gifted and talented prodigy, Shashikala mastered the technical intricacies of these instruments by the young age of 15, performing at numerous concerts that showcased her exceptional versatility.
Among all the instruments, Shashikala was particularly drawn to the Jaltarang. With her guru’s encouragement, she chose to dedicate herself to this unique instrument, building her career as a classical Jaltarang artiste. Through extensive experimentation, she developed a distinctive playing style that seamlessly incorporates both Gayaki (vocal-like expression) and Tantrakari (instrumental techniques).
Trained in the Gwalior gharana, Shashikala has also embraced elements from other styles over the years, enriching her repertoire. Her signature skill in Layakari (intricate rhythmic interplay) has become a hallmark of her performances, leaving audiences mesmerized by her effortless command over the Jaltarang.
As one of the few exponents of this rare instrument, Shashikala has attained unparalleled mastery, turning the Jaltarang into a medium of captivating artistry that continues to awe listeners and preserve this cherished tradition in Indian music.
Hard-times & Sports Career
Shashikala’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for music, academics, and sports. Growing up in a financially constrained environment, she took on the responsibility of supporting her family from a young age. To ease their financial burdens, she worked several part-time jobs, temporarily setting aside her musical studies. These challenges only strengthened her resolve to pursue higher education, though it seemed unattainable given her family’s circumstances.
Apart from excelling in music and academics, Shashikala was a gifted athlete during her school days, particularly in Kho-Kho and Kabaddi. Her talent in sports became a gateway to continue her education when she secured admission to SJMVS Women’s College under the sports quota for her Pre-University studies.
Her sporting journey flourished as she garnered championships in Kho-Kho and Kabaddi and emerged as a prominent athlete in the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad. Excelling in long-distance running (400m, 800m, 1500m, and cross-country events), Shashikala earned accolades that led to her selection for Karnataka University’s athletics program under the sports quota. She became a member of the university’s relay team, earning recognition in inter-university tournaments and being honored with the prestigious University Blue award for her outstanding achievements.
Despite her success in sports, Shashikala remained steadfast in her commitment to academics and music. Her exceptional intellect and dedication enabled her to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Karnataka University, securing the top rank in her class. During this time, her passion for Hindustani classical music, particularly the Jaltarang, earned her the prestigious Annual Music Scholarship from the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy twice.
After completing her education, Shashikala joined the State Bank of Mysore, yet her love for music remained her driving force. Her journey is a testament to her extraordinary ability to balance academics, sports, and music while overcoming personal and financial challenges to achieve excellence in every sphere.
