Amrapali Magazine
Sep 18, 20212 min
Pt. Kalinath Mishra is one of India's foremost Tabla players. Born in a renowned musician's family, he learned Tabla at an early age of 4.5 years from Shambhu Nath Mishra, Guru Pt. Madan Mishra and Tabla Samrat Pt. Kishan Maharaj of the Benaras Gharana. Pt. Kalinath Mishra's single dedication and devotion to his art have raised him to great heights.
He is an 'A' grade Indian Classical Percussionist at All Indian Radio, Mumbai. He has received many accolades and standing ovations from his audiences. He has a unique style of playing, wherein he infuses tremendous energy with his nimble fingers, causing the Tabla 'bols' to flow out in a beautiful melodious sound. His playing is effortless and his creative mind delights the audience. He is a solo percussionist but his ability to adapt to varied ways makes him an exceptional accompanying artiste too. His caliber is further enhanced by the fact that he has accompanied eminent artistes like Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Ram Narayan, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, Kathak Queen Sitara Devi, Pt. Ronu Majumdar, Sri Abhijeet Pohankar, Ustad Sultan Khan, Ustad Habib Khan, Ustad Sultan Khan, Pt. Nayan Ghosh and many others along with Bollywood actors like Madhuri Dixit, Hema Malini, Meenakshi Sheshadri and others.
Pt. Kalinath Mishra also has a number of countless prestigious programmes and festivals to his credit like Tansen Sangeet Sammelan, Spic Macay, Ustad Abdul Halim Jafar Conference, Akashwani Sangeet Sammelan, Kala Ghoda Festival, Elephanta Festival, Ellora Festival, Taj Festival, Kalidas Samaroh, Baba Ustad Allauddin Khan Mahotsav, Ganga Ghat Mahotsav, Khajuraho Festival, etc. His exceptional playing and talent have taken him all over the world, delighting the audience with his dexterity and mastery over the art of playing the Tabla. He has performed in South Africa, USA, France, UAE, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, UK and others.
Amongst his special performances have been the 53 shows for Stuart Wood's production of 'The Mahabharat' under Nitin Sawhney's music direction over a period of two months in the UK. He has also toured for the ICCR several times in many countries. He has performed with all the great stalwarts both in Indian and abroad.