Prasad Sawkar


Pandit Prasad Sawkar is an Indian vocalist, and scholar of Indian classical, semi-classical, and devotional music. He received prestigious Padma Shri award in the year 2006 for his work in music and Sangeet Natak

Early life and background

Sambaprasad Raghuvir Sawkar was born in Baroda, Gujarat in a family of musicians and actors hailing from Goa. His father, Raghuvir Sawkar, was a singer and actor who was famous for acting a ladies character in the play who was known as Rangdevta. He took his formal education in music and acting from his father. Later he came under the influence of great musicians such as Jitendra Abhisheki and Nivruttibuwa Sarnaik

Career

Sawkar acted as child artist in the play Jinjihun Sutka as Bal Shivaji at the start of career in Marathi theatre. Later he went to his uncle Dattaram Sawkar for school education at Mhapsa who was also a harmonium player. Sawkar continued getting training of music over there. He played a role of 'Kruttika' in the play "Sanshay Kallol". He also made a record of by playing four characters in the same play namely Kruttika, Sadhu, Singer and Vaishakh Sheth. Later he played in Plays like Soubhadra, Mruchchakatik, Vidyharan, Manapman with "Kala Mandir" organization.
Swakar played important roles with the organization "Natyniketan" in the plays like Rambha, Kulvadhu, Kone eke kali, Ek hota Mhatara, Lagnachi Bedi etc.
He also made career in Marathi Cinema which includes Pedgaoche Shahane, Gora Kumbhar
The period between 1960 and 1972 is known for the revival of Sangeet natak in the industry. Sawkar played a major role in this. He was instrumental by acting in "Panditrao Jagannath" and "Suvarnatula" which get wide popularity. He started getting recognized by popular singer cum actor on the stage with this. In the year 1967, he played the role of "Sadashiv" in the play Katyar kaljat ghusli and worked closely with Purushottam Darvhekar, Jitendra Abhisheki and Vasantrao Deshpande. The song Ghei chand makarand is known as a milestone in the musical plays.
Swakar travelled to United States with his wife in 1972 and played small roles in his plays over there which also became very popular.

Plays

  1. Ghei Chand Makarand घेई छंद मकरंद
  2. Jai Gange Bhagirathi जय गंगे भागिरथी
  3. Narayana Ramaramana नारायणा रमारमणा
  4. Sapt Sur Zankarit Bole सप्त सूर झंकारीत होते
  5. Utha Pandharichya Raja ऊठ पंढरीच्या राजा
  6. Jay Gange Bhagirathi जय गंगे भागीरथी
  7. Tare Nahi Ye To Raat Ko तारे नहीं ये तो रात को
  8. Narayana Rama Ramana नारायणा रमा रमणा
  9. Patit Pavan Naam Aikuni पतित पावन नाम ऐकुनी
  10. Priya Na Kavan Tuj प्रिय न कवण तुज
  11. Basant Ki Bahar Aayi बसंत की बहार आयी
  12. Bujhavo Deep A Sajani बुझावो दीप ए सजनी
  13. Bhare Manat Sundara भरे मनात सुंदरा
  14. Bhagya Surya Nashuni भाग्यसूर्य नाशुनि तिमिरा
  15. Muralidhar Shyam He मुरलीधर श्याम हे नंदलाल
  16. Yogi Pavan Manacha योगी पावन मनाचा
  17. Ratihun Sundar Madan रतिहुन सुंदर मदनमंजिरी
  18. Ragini Mukhachandrama रागिणी-मुखचंद्रमा
  19. SaptSur Jhankarit Bole सप्‍तसूर झंकारित बोले
  20. Sab Gunijan Mil Gavo सब गुनिजन मिल गावो
  21. Savan Ghan Garaje Bajaye सावन घन गरजे बजाये
  22. Sukhavito Madhumas Ha सुखवितो मधुमास हा
  23. Hi Kanakangi Kon Lalana ही कनकांगी कोण ललना

    Awards and recognitions