Ram Kumar Mallik, a resident of Amata village in Baheri block of Darbhanga district, is a renowned Dhrupad music artist. Born in 1957, he hails from the prestigious musical lineage of the Amata Gharana. Ram Kumar Mallik, at the age of 71, has been honored with the Padma Shri award for his exceptional contributions to the field of arts.
Belonging to the renowned Mallik family, he is the 12th generation of musicians in his family. He inherited the tradition of Dhrupad music from his father and the legendary Dhrupad maestro, Pandit Vidur Mallik. His family has a rich tradition of imparting musical knowledge, and Ram Kumar Mallik continues to carry forward this legacy.
His journey in Dhrupad music began under the guidance of his grandfather, Leftenant Pandit Sukhdev Mallik, whom he considers his first guru. Ram Kumar Mallik is well-versed in various aspects of Dhrupad, including its unique compositions, elaborate renditions, Khandarvani, Gaurharvani, Meend, Gamak, Layakari, and intricate Taans.
Known for his distinctive and enriched renditions, Ram Kumar Mallik has an extensive repertoire of compositions. His singing style reflects the diversity and richness of Dhrupad, showcasing the intricacies of Meend, Gamak, Layakari, and the variety of Taans. His contributions to Hindustani classical music have earned him several prestigious awards and recognition even before receiving the Padma Shri.
Ram Kumar Mallik’s devotion to Dhrupad, the oldest and most powerful form of Hindustani classical music, is evident in his spiritual approach to this art.
Dhrupad, deeply rooted in the Vedic era, serves as a divine practice that transcends not only musical performance but also spiritual exploration.
His pursuit of sonic perfection and musical knowledge reflects the foundational practice of Dhrupad from the Vedic age, making it a sacred and profound musical tradition.
