C.R. Vyas
Born in l924, Pandit Chitaman Raghunath Vyas ranks among the top-notch vocalists from the Hindustani tradition today. He had his initial grooming from Pandit Govindrao Bhatambrekar of the Kirana gharana. Later, he benefited immensely from, the guidance of Pandit Yeshwantbuva Mirashi and Pandit Rajamrambuva Paradkar, both distinguished veterans of the Gwalior gayaki. Still later, he came under the influence of Pandit Jagannathbuva Purohit "Gunidas", the versatile performer, composer and teacher from the Agra gharana. In between, he also benefited by his association with another scholar-musician, Acharya Ratanjankar, and his leading disciples like Pandit Chidanand Nagarkar, Pandit S.C.R. Bhat and Pandit K.G.Ginde.
As a result, Pandit, Vyas's singing reveals an agreeable amalgam of the distinctive features of the gayakis represented by his several mentors. The influence of the Gwalior gayaki, however remains dominant.
Panditji has also made his mark as a perceptive composer of several ragas and bandishes, under the pen-name "Gunijaan". His self-composed ragas like Shiv-Abhogi, Dhanakoni-Kalyan and several others have become popular with concert-goers. His book ``Raga-Sarita'', incorporating his contribution to the tradition, has earned him acclaim in the traditional world.
Pandit Vyas won the Padma Bhushan award in recognition of his contribution in Hindustani music, besides the "Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar". A prominent AIR and TV artiste, he has participated in major musical events in India as well as abroad. He is also engaged in research on traditional ragas and compositions.
Suhas Vyas, who accompanies Panditji, is his eldest son and worthy disciple. His partnership with Panditji serves to prove his mettle as a rising vocalist in his own right.
Biogrpahy by: Mohan Nadkarni
