ABOUT
Pt. Rajendra Varman, an exceptional sitar virtuoso, hails from a family of musicians in Rajasthan. His musical journey began early, studying under his father, the renowned vocalist and musicologist, Late Acharya Devendra Varman "Naad Ratna." Deeply influenced by the legendary sitar maestro "Padmabhushan" Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan of the Indore Gharana, he mastered the "Jafferkhani Baaj" at a young age. Today, he is the most respected senior disciple of the Ustad.
A creative and sensitive artist, Pt. Rajendra Varman has transcended traditional gharana boundaries, valuing music for its beauty rather than its affiliation. His renditions of ragas are known for their purity, systematic development, and serene expressions. His layakari is lilting, while his vilambit and drut compositions showcase his brilliance. His superfast taans are renowned for their clarity.
Having performed at major music festivals and conferences in India and abroad, Pt. Rajendra Varman has also featured in numerous National Programs on All India Radio, Doordarshan, and Aakashwani Sangeet Sammelan. His performances have earned him consistent praise from the media over four decades.
Beyond being a virtuoso, he is an esteemed guru, mentoring a diverse group of disciples, including academicians, doctors, directors, government officials, and foreigners, many of whom have become professional performers. A teacher, music director, composer, and accomplished sitar player, Pt. Rajendra Varman received the Cine Musicians Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for his 50 years of sitar contributions to film music.
He has performed in almost all the major conferences and music festivals in India and abroad and his performances are telecast frequently on various TV channels such as 'Ninaad' (Star Plus), 'Alaap' (Music Asia), 'Usha' (Sahara), 'Raag-Rang' of Surbhi (Doodarshan). His music renditions are available through VCDs, CDs, cassettes, etc.
He has rendered number of national programmes on All India Radio, Doordarshan & also has performed at Aakashwani Sangeet Sammelan. Pt. Rajendra Varman has received continuous acclaim from the media and press during the four decades of performances. He has also played sitar music and acted for a Hollywood film "Stiff Upper Lips".
He is also the recipient of various awards such as:
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'Surmani' by Sur Singar Samsad (Bombay), 1977
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'Sur-Shree' by Swarankur (Delhi), 1988
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'Suvidha Gaurav' by Suvidha Foundation (Bombay), 1993
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'Naad Ratna' by Sangeet Lalit Kala Kendra (Jaipur), 1995
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'Kala-Shiromani' by Sur Singar Sanstha (Ajmer), 2002
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'Kalasamvardhak' by Sangeet Kala Kendra (Agra), 2017
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C.M.A. (Cine Musicians Association) gave Lifetime Achievement for playing sitar in films, 2019
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Performed at the Inaugural of Bandra-Worli Sea Link Bridge, 2008
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Introduced Panchameshwar Taal - 5.25 (Sawa-Paanch Matra) for the first time in India
MUSIC DIRECTION
Pt. Rajendra Varman has brought his musical expertise to a diverse range of projects in the advertising and entertainment industries. Known for his deep understanding of sound and emotion, he has composed music for countless advertisements, memorable jingles ("Santozen", "Chinese Tea Cola". "Detron Suiting Shirting", "Sikova Suting Shirting", "Shresth tel" etc. ), and well-loved television series like "Raat Ki Pukar" - leaving a lasting impression through every note.
Also well known singers sung under the direction of Pt. Rajendra Varman like Kavita Krishnamurthy, Suresh Wadkar, Vinod Rathore, Sadhana Sargam, Devki Pandit, Rupali Kulkarni, Sujata Patawa and Jayshree Shivram etc.
Pt. Rajendra Varman as Music Director with Kavita Krishnamurthy (Playback Singer)
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
India’s rich heritage in arts, culture, science, and spirituality has earned global reverence. Among its most enduring traditions is Indian Classical Music, which offers a profound means of spiritual elevation and connection with nature. However, this musical heritage is at risk, with consumerism and pop culture threatening its preservation. The need to safeguard and nurture this tradition is more urgent today, as many talented individuals struggle to pursue music due to a lack of financial support.
Recognizing this, the Varman family of Jodhpur—Late Pandit Devendra Varman “Naad Ratna” and his son Pt. Rajendra Varman—established Swarankur in 1977 to support talented artists and preserve Indian Classical Music. Swarankur, a registered trust for over 45 years, has been dedicated to promoting and preserving this invaluable tradition through a variety of activities.
Swarankur’s primary objectives include:
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Teaching and training students in Classical vocal, instrumental music, and other forms such as Light, Folk, Ghazal, and Thumri.
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Familiarizing students with various gharanas and regional styles of Indian Classical Music.
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Establishing music schools, colleges, and academies, with affiliations to recognized universities.
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Identifying and promoting gifted musicians by organizing concerts and providing performance opportunities.
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Encouraging philanthropic support for research and development in areas such as:
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Synthesizing Northern and Carnatic music systems.
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Developing a universal music notation system through graphics and symbols.
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Ensuring the uniqueness and versatility of Indian Classical Music.
Swarankur has organized annual Indian Classical Music concerts for over four decades, featuring eminent artists from the past and present. The organization emphasizes giving young, promising artists the chance to perform alongside established exponents, fostering mutual admiration and respect.
In 1998, Swarankur organized the 50-hour non-stop Indian Classical Music concert, “Sangeet Maha Yagna,” to commemorate India’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The event featured 100 artists and included 78 ragas performed by artists from 26 gharanas, both from Northern and Carnatic traditions. Swarankur has preserved these rare performances in VCD/DVD format, now available on a pendrive for music libraries and students to access and enrich their knowledge.
Swarankur’s dedication to preserving and promoting Indian Classical Music earned recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records for the successful execution of the 50-hour concert.
