Bhawani Shankar

Pandit Bhawani Shankar is the most well known Pakhawaj player in the world today. He is also an accomplished tabla player.
The name 'pakhawaj' originates from the two words, paksha meaning side and baaj meaning to play. Together, pakshvadya became Pakhawaj, meaning an instrument, which is played from both sides.
Pakhawaj is a horizontal barrel-shaped, double-headed drum. The smaller head on the right side is treated with a tar paste substance that keeps the head taut and high in pitch. The left side of the drum is treated with a substance called atta, a mixture of whole-wheat flour and water, freshly put on to the skin immediately before a performance. The paste helps to create the distinctive warm bass tone, which is unique to the instrument.
Pakhawaj is considered as the 'king' of all Indian percussion instruments. It is traditionally associated with Dhrupad, an ancient style of singing full of religious and heroic themes. Before the emergence of the tabla in the eighteenth century, it was used to accompany the most popular Indian instruments of the time including the Veena, Rabab and Sarangi. Images of this majestic looking drum are depicted in ancient sculptures in some of the most famous temples in India. In the early hours of the morning Pakhawaj is often the first sound to be heard in the old temples supposedly having the power to drive away all evil spirits.
Bhawani Shankar was born into a distinguished musical family beginning his study of pakhawaj and tabla at the tender age of eight under the guidance of his father, Pandit Babulalji, who was a Kathak dance (a popular style of Indian classical dance, which specialises in intricate rhythmic patterns) master.
Bhawani Shankar should be given the credit for exposing Pakhawaj to the world stage outside of the traditional Dhrupad performamces. He teamed up with Ustad Zakir Hussain in his percussion ensemble, Zakir Hussain and the Rhythm Experience. Their world tours have been highly successful, giving a great deal of exposure to Pakhawaj as an instrument. In the last few years he has made his mark as a prolific composer for films and experimental fusion projects. His mesmerising performances with 'Shakti' and ‘Remember Shakti’ alongside Ustad Zakir Hussain and John McLaughlin, have made him one of the most sought after percussionists in the world. Pandit Bhawani Shankar has also teamed with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, in their khayal concerts.
Introduced to the film industry, by the world renowned Producer & Director Dr V. Shantaram, he has also played for the music composers Laxmikant Pyarelal, Illayaraja and A R Rahman. He has also performed live with Hindi film industry stalwarts including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Late Mohammed Rafi, and Late Kishore Kumar.
Bhawani Shankar has received numerous awards, including the Taal Shri (1986), Taal Vilas (1996), Sangeet Natak Academy Award, and Pandit Jasraj Gaurav Puraskar, Mahrashtra Kala Niketan Award. He has also received a Grammy Nomination.