Rahul Deshpande


Rahul Deshpande is an Indian classical music singer and actor. He is the recipient of a National [Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|National Film Award], Filmfare Awards Marathi And Maharashtra State Film Awards for his work in Me Vasantrao. He is the grandson of Vasantrao Deshpande.

Early life

Rahul Deshpande was born on 10 October 1979 in Pune, Maharashtra.

Education and career

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 Pandit Suresh Samant. His repertoire includes khayal, tap khayal, dhruvpad, thumri, kajri, hori, tappa, ghazal, abhanga, bhajan, natyasangeet and bhavgeet.
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 which originally starred his grandfather Katyar Kaljat Ghusali was tremendous. He was the playback singer for the songs of "Khansaheb Aftab Hussain Bareliwale", played by Sachin Pilgaonkar in the film. The role was played by Rahul himself in the play Katyar Kaljat Ghusali.
Every year he arranges "Vasantotsav" in the memory of his late grandfather Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande.
A revised version of Kakasaheb Khadilkar's Sangeet Maanapmaan played in Maharashtra in 2011 and 2012, the centenary year of the play's first performance. It has been revised by Rahul Deshpande. "Originally, the play has five parts with around 52 classical songs. Deshpande's version will have two parts and 22 classical songs."

Personal life

In September 2024, Rahul and his wife Neha legally separated after 17 years of marriage. They have a daughter, Renuka, and continue to co-parent her while maintaining a respectful relationship.

Stage appearances

Katyar Kaljat GhusaliSangeet Sanshaykallol
  • "Sangeet Manapman"
  • "Sangeet Saubhadra"

Achievements and recognition

Rasikagrani Dattopant Deshpande Award, presented to him at the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival.