Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman, renowned for his score in “Slumdog Millionaire,” and the KM Music Conservatory have launched the Bharat Maestro Awards. This new initiative aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian classical music and honor its dedicated practitioners.
The awards program is structured around three distinct categories. Four awards will be presented to promising young musicians, showcasing their exceptional talent and potential. A prestigious lifetime achievement award will recognize the invaluable contributions of a distinguished educator to the field. Finally, a state medallion will acknowledge significant contributions to the preservation of regional classical music traditions.
A distinguished panel of mentors, including legendary musicians Asha Bhosle, Amjad Ali Khan, Bombay Jayashri, and Ajoy Chakrabarty, will guide the selection process. The advisory board, composed of Ila Paliwal, Sai Shravanam, Bharat Bala, Fathima Rafiq, Khatija Rahman, Adam Greig, and Clint Valladares, will provide further expertise and oversight. Winners will receive not only cash prizes but also invaluable opportunities to perform internationally and collaborate with A.R. Rahman himself. The awards ceremony will uniquely follow the traditional Indian guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) format, with teachers presenting awards to their students, emphasizing the profound mentorship inherent in the art form.
A.R. Rahman stated, “The greatest joy of a guru is to witness the success and growth of their students, and it is this bond that the Bharat Maestro Awards seeks to celebrate. The idea behind this initiative is for it to be more than just an award; it’s about connecting the past, present, and future of music, and uniting us all through the language of sound.”
The launch of the Bharat Maestro Awards coincides with the KM Music Conservatory’s 16th anniversary. Founded by Rahman, the conservatory offers comprehensive programs in Western and Indian classical music traditions, as well as music technology. Rahman added, “The Conservatory has always sought to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, creating opportunities for young artists to develop their craft while staying grounded in the cultural fabric of India. With this annual award, I aim to support the development of an ecosystem that will fuel immersive experiences in the world of music.”