Archive · 14 Dec 2025
Mauli Takalkar Honored at Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav
The 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, a big music festival in Pune, ended with a special award given to Mauli Takalkar, a 99-year-old man who plays the cymbals in Indian classical music.
He has played with famous singers for many years.
The festival also featured a young singer named Aniruddha Aithal, who sang very well and made everyone happy.
People said he was very talented for his age.
The award and the performances showed both the old and new traditions of Indian music.
The 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav concluded with a blend of traditional and new talent performances.
Young vocalist Aniruddha Aithal received widespread praise for his mature and skilled performance of Raag Multani.
Mauli Takalkar, a 99-year-old Taal Master, was honored with the Vatsalabai Joshi Award for his contributions to Indian classical music.
Takalkar has played the cymbals for four generations of artists, including a 40-year partnership with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
The award ceremony and final performances took place at the Maharashtriya Mandal’s Sports Complex in Pune.
- Who
- Mauli Takalkar, a 99-year-old Taal Master, and young vocalist Aniruddha Aithal
- What
- The 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav concluded with performances and the Vatsalabai Joshi Award presentation
- When
- The award ceremony and final performances took place on December 14
- Where
- The event was held at the Maharashtriya Mandal’s Sports Complex in Pune
- Why
- To honor Mauli Takalkar's contributions to Indian classical music and showcase new talent like Aniruddha Aithal
- Recipient
- Mauli Takalkar
- Award
- Vatsalabai Joshi Award
- Event
- 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav
- Cash Prize
- Rs 51,000
- Recipient's Age
- 99 years
- Recipient's Profession
- Taal Master
- Award Ceremony Date
- December 14
- Venue
- Maharashtriya Mandal’s Sports Complex
- Young Performer
- Aniruddha Aithal
- Young Performer's Gharana
- Kirana Gharana
