Vithal Rao


Vithal Rao Aatmaram Shivpurkar also known as Pandit Vithal Rao was an Indian classical vocalist. He is considered to have been one of the last few maestros of 'Ghazals' and was the last court singer of the Last Nizam of Hyderabad. He is popular for singing ghazals written by Hyderabad writers, Urdu as well as Hindi ghazals.

Early life

Vithal Rao Aatmaram Shivpurkar popularly known as Vithal Rao or Guruji was born in 1929 in Hyderabad, India.

Performing career

Vithal Rao was a court musician of the Last Nizam of Hyderabad. He is popular with the noble families of Hyderabad. Among his notable accompanists include Ustad Sardar Khan.
Some of his notable disciples include Kiran Ahluwalia, playback and folk singer Rahul Sipligunj, and ghazal and qawwali singer Chetan Ramlu.

Discography

Some his popular ghazals are:Ek chamele ke mandve taleMaine teri aaakho mein pada, sab bhool gaya bus yaad raha sirf Allah hi Allah Aye mere ham nasheenNindiya Na AayeO Sitamgar Tera Muskurana Kaam Aane Ke Qabil Nahin HaiZehal-e miskin makun taghaful, duraye naina banaye batiyan
  • Ghazals of Janab Sayeed Shaheedi