A R Rahman Launches Bharat Maestro Awards
MUMBAI (ANI) – On his 58th birthday, Grammy and Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, in collaboration with his music institute, the KM Music Conservatory, announced the launch of the Bharat Maestro Awards (BMA). The initiative aims to honor the legacy of Indian classical music legends while inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
“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 instituting this 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,” Rahman said in a statement.
The awards are designed to recognize exceptional contributions to Indian classical music, honor music legends, and spotlight the importance of the teacher-student tradition (Guru-Shishya Parampara). Asha Bhosle, Amjad Ali Khan, Bombay Jayashri, and Ajoy Chakrabarty will serve as mentors for the awards, with an advisory board that includes Ila Paliwal, Sai Shravanam, Bharat Bala, and Khatija Rahman, among others.
Award Categories
· Stellar Young Musicians: Four awards for young, promising musicians in various disciplines.
· Lifetime Achievement Award for the Guru: Celebrating extraordinary contributions by a teacher in nurturing future generations.
· State Medallion for Music Contribution: Honoring an Indian state for fostering classical music and talent.
The awards will feature a unique tradition where gurus present the honors to their own students, emphasizing the sacred bond of mentorship. Winners will receive cash prizes, international performance opportunities, and a chance to perform alongside AR Rahman to build global exposure.
The Bharat Maestro Awards launch coincides with the 16th anniversary of the KM Music Conservatory, which Rahman founded to bridge tradition and modernity in music education. The institution offers programs in Western and Indian classical music, as well as music technology, and has become a cornerstone of India’s musical landscape.
