Rahul Deshpande

Rahul Deshpande (born 10 October 1979) is an Indian classical music singer. He is the recipient of a National Film Award for best playback singer for the song Kaivalya Gaan for his work in Me Vasantrao. He is the grandson of Vasantrao Deshpande Rahul developed his interest in vocal music by studying the music of Kumar Gandharva. Initially, he sought guidance of Pandit Gangadharbuva Pimpalkhare and Dr. Madhusudhan Patwardhan. He further learnt under the tutelage of Smt. Ushatai Chipalkatti and Pandit Mukul Shivputra. He also learned the tabla from Suresh Samant. His repertoire includes khayal, tap khayal, dhruvpad, thumri, kajri, hori, tappa, ghazal, abhanga, bhajan, natyasangeet and bhavgeet. His potential in singing , music direction and acting was showcased in the Film Me Vastanrao which went on to become one of the greatest movies in Marathi film industry and one of those films which went on to be a part of Oscars Initial selection of movies for nomination from India . The film is a cult classic with great classical music and a dedication to his grand father Dr Vasantrao Deshpande. Rahul has judged Zee Marathi's popular reality TV show "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Little Champs" and Zee Yuva's "Sangeet Samrat parva2". His work in the re-opening of the musical play Katyar Kaljat Ghusali was appreciated. Every year he arranges the "Vasantotsav" in the memory of his late grandfather Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande. He is married to Neha and has a daughter Renuka .