Internationally acclaimed Sarod Maestro Pt. Rajeev Taranath, now settled in Mysuru, has been chosen for this year’s  ‘Sangeetha Vidwan’ Award, according to sources. However, as the octogenarian is away at USA, the award will be conferred on the celebrated artiste after his return to the city.

Born on Oct.17, 1932, Pt. Rajeev Taranath is a disciple of Ali Akbar Khan. He received his initial training in vocal music from his father Pt. Taranath and gave his first public vocal performance when he was nine. Although Pt.Rajeev held a Ph.D in Literature, he decided to give up his career as a Professor of English Literature and moved to Calcutta, where he began his musical training under Ali Akbar Khan.

Star of Mysore had published an exclusive interview with the awardee last year titled ‘Pt. Rajeev Taranath: A Sarod Maestro and a Legend in our times’ in three parts on Oct.17, 18 and 19.