Pravin Godkhindi

Pt. Dr. Pravin Godkhindi
Pt Pravin Godkhindi performing for Laya Lavanya
Background information
Born
Pravin Godkhindi

(1973-10-28) 28 October 1973
OriginDharwad, Karnataka, India
GenresHindustani classical, fusion, world music
OccupationsFlautist, composer, director, author
Years active1979–present
Websitepravingodkhindi.com

Pravin Godkhindi (born 28 October 1973) is an Indian classical bansuri player. He is recognized by All India Radio as a "Top Ranking Artiste" in Hindustani classical music.[1] He incorporates both the tantrakari (instrumental) and gayaki (vocal) styles into his performances.[2]

Early life and education

Born in Dharwad, Karnataka, Godkhindi began training at age three under his father, Pandit Venkatesh Godkhindi.[3] He later studied rhythm under Vidwan Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma. He graduated with distinction in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from SDM College of Engineering and Technology. In 2022, he was conferred an honorary doctorate by Tumkur University.[4]

Career

Godkhindi is known for performing on an eight-foot-long contrabass flute, which he named the "Gods Bansi."[4] He was the first Indian to represent the bansuri at the World Flute Festival in Mendoza, Argentina.[5]

He has collaborated with musicians including Ustad Zakir Hussain, M. Balamuralikrishna, and Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.[4] As a composer, he was involved in the National Award-winning Kannada films Beru (2005) and Vimukthi (2010).[6] In 2022, he published his first novel, Prahara: Haduva Gadiyara, which he later translated into English as Prahar: The Singing Clock.[6]

Awards and recognition

  • **Krishna Hangal National Award** (2026): Honoured for significant contributions to Hindustani music.[1]
  • **ZMR Award, USA** (2015): Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Imaginings.[4]
  • **Titles**: Surmani, Naada-Nidhi, and Aasthana Sangeet Vidwan from the Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Staff (10 January 2026). "Pt. Pravin Godkhindi to be honoured with Krishna Hangal National Award". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  2. ^ "Pravin Godkhindi - Darbar.org". Darbar Festival. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  3. ^ "About Pravin Godkhindi". Kansas State University. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Pandit. Dr. Pravin Godkhindi – Official Profile". Artsdeco. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  5. ^ "Pravin Godkhindi at II World Flutes Festival". YouTube. 28 December 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  6. ^ a b "Pravin Godkhindi: My book talks about the power of ragas". Deccan Herald. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2026.