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Arati Ankalikar Tikekar

Arati Ankalikar Tikekar is an Indian classical vocalist associated with the Hindustani music tradition. She is recognised for her work in the Agra and Gwalior gharana styles and for her contributions to khayal, thumri, and bhajan singing, as well as for playback work in Indian cinema.

Key Facts

Name Arati Ankalikar Tikekar
Nationality Indian
Profession Hindustani classical vocalist, playback singer
Tradition Hindustani classical music
Gharana Gwalior, Agra, Jaipur–Atrauli influences
Genres Khayal, thumri, bhajan, film music

Background and Training

Arati Ankalikar Tikekar received early training in Hindustani classical music in the Gwalior gharana. She subsequently trained under Pandit Vasantrao Kulkarni, and later studied with Kishori Amonkar, who belonged to the Jaipur–Atrauli gharana. Her style reflects elements of multiple gharanas, with an emphasis on melodic clarity and bhava (emotional expression).

Career

Ankalikar Tikekar performs at major Indian classical music conferences and festivals, presenting khayal as her primary form, along with semi-classical genres such as thumri and bhajan. Beyond the concert circuit, she has contributed vocals to Indian films, including Marathi cinema, where her playback singing has been part of soundtracks featuring classical and semi-classical compositions.

She has been recognised for her playback work in Marathi films, receiving acclaim for songs that draw on her classical training. She is also active as a teacher, mentoring younger vocalists in the Hindustani tradition.

Significance

Within Hindustani vocal music, Ankalikar Tikekar is regarded as a senior performer who bridges concert-hall classical music and film-based semi-classical singing. Her work in Marathi film music has helped bring khayal-influenced vocal aesthetics to wider audiences, while her concert repertoire continues to engage with the traditional khayal canon.

References