Ravindra G Katoti

Dr. Ravindra Katoti was born in 1969 into a family of music enthusiasts and began learning Hindustani classical harmonium at the age of eight. He has trained exclusively under the guidance of legendary harmonium maestro Pandit Rambhau Bijapure, performing Guru Pooja on Akshaya Tritiya in 1991. His musical style reflects the traditional gayaki ang, marked by detailed alap, precise layakari, clear tanakari, and effective volume control through bellows technique.

As a soloist, he is proficient in presenting khayal, thumri, dhun, and natyageet. His harmonium solo recital was featured on the National Programme of Music, All India Radio, marking a rare milestone for the instrument after several decades. He is also a sought-after accompanist and has performed with leading vocalists, including Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Ajoy Chakravarty, Pt. Rajan–Pt. Sajan Mishra, and Begum Parveen Sultana.

Dr. Ravindra Katoti has received several awards and recognitions, including:

• Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Scholarship (1986–1989)
• Sur Ratna – Bhatkhande Academy, Raipur (1994)
• Sangeet Alankar – Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (1995)
• ‘A’ Grade Artist – All India Radio (Hindustani Harmonium)

Academically, he holds an M.Com and Ph.D. from Karnataka University, Dharwad, and serves as a faculty member in the Department of Commerce at a Government First Grade College in Bengaluru.

As a teacher, he actively trains young harmonium students, several of whom now perform as soloists and accompanists. His instructional DVD “Learn to Play Harmonium” is widely used by learners, and he also mentors students internationally through online platforms.

As an organizer, he founded the Bijapure Harmonium Foundation, Bengaluru, dedicated to promoting the harmonium and preserving the legacy of Pandit Rambhau Bijapure. The foundation organizes the annual Harmonium Habba, has produced audio CDs and documentaries, and published the Kannada biography “Swarayana.” He also played a key role in organizing the World Harmonium Summit (2018) and the birth centenary celebrations of Pt. Rambhau Bijapure across India and abroad.

As a composer and explorer, Dr. Ravindra Katoti has created works across classical, devotional, and light music, including unique Raag Maala compositions based on Samaya Chakra. His albums include Rashmi, Monsoon Moods, Golden Swara, Journey in Harmony, and Bhakti Samvadini. He has also experimented with harmonium alongside instruments such as accordion, flute, sarangi, sitar, violin, and Hawaiian guitar and has conceptualised thematic presentations like Samarasa Samvadini and Dwadasha Swara Sambhrama.