Pravin Godkhindi

Pravin Godkhindi is an Indian classical bansuri player. He is recognized by All India Radio as a "Top Ranking Artiste" in Hindustani classical music. He incorporates both the tantrakari and gayaki styles into his performances.

Early life and education

Born in Dharwad, Karnataka, Godkhindi began training at age three under his father, Pandit Venkatesh Godkhindi. He later studied rhythm under Vidwan Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma. He graduated with distinction in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from SDM College of Engineering and Technology. In 2022, he was conferred an honorary doctorate by Tumkur University.

Godkhindi is known for performing on an eight-foot-long contrabass flute, which he named the "Gods Bansi." He was the first Indian to represent the bansuri at the World Flute Festival in Mendoza, Argentina.
He has collaborated with musicians including Ustad Zakir Hussain, M. Balamuralikrishna, and Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. As a composer, he was involved in the National Award-winning Kannada films Beru and Vimukthi. In 2022, he published his first novel, Prahara: Haduva Gadiyara, which he later translated into English as Prahar: The Singing Clock.

**Krishna Hangal National Award** : Honoured for significant contributions to Hindustani music.
**ZMR Award, USA** : Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Imaginings.
**Titles**: Surmani, Naada-Nidhi, and Aasthana Sangeet Vidwan from the Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt.