Mumbai, October 4 (Daily Kiran) : Pandit Ram Chatur Malik, who made his public debut at just 15, became a distinguished figure in the realm of Dhrupad-Dhamar singing. His remarkable talent carried his voice from the courts of Darbhanga to audiences in England and France. Notably, he was awarded All India Radio’s prestigious ‘Top Grade’ without an audition, highlighting his esteemed position in the music world.
Born on October 5, 1902, into a family steeped in music, Malik was the son of Pandit Rajit Ram Malik, a renowned musician in the court of the Darbhanga Maharaja. His father was not only a Dhrupad singer but also a scholar of Sanskrit and a poet. Growing up in this vibrant environment, Malik received his early musical education and quickly showcased his prodigious talent, culminating in his first public performance at the young age of 15.
A significant turning point in his career occurred in 1924 when he was appointed the royal singer at the Darbhanga court by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh. At that time, the Darbhanga court was recognized as a major hub for classical music, providing Malik with an invaluable opportunity to refine his craft.
Malik’s signature style was rooted in Dhrupad and Dhamar singing, where he mastered the four main gharanas: Gauhar, Dagar, Khandar, and Nohar. His approach was distinct from that of other Dhrupad singers, and he was also adept in Khayal, Thumri, and Maithili folk songs.
His talent transcended borders, gaining recognition not only in India but also internationally. In 1937, he traveled to England and France with Maharaja Kameshwar Singh’s younger brother, Vishweshwar Singh, to present Indian classical music. At that time, it was a remarkable achievement for an Indian classical singer to showcase their art abroad.
An intriguing aspect of his career is his connection with All India Radio, which awarded him the highest ‘Top Grade’ without requiring an audition. This speaks volumes about his esteemed reputation in the music industry. In 1976, the French government selected his Dhrupad-Dhamar recordings for UNESCO broadcasting, further cementing his legacy.
Throughout his life, Malik received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. In 1964, he was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and in 1974, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Shri. He was affectionately known as the ‘Dhrupad Samrat.’ Although he passed away in 1990, his recordings continue to resonate with Dhrupad-Dhamar enthusiasts today.
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