Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar is currently recognized as one of the top vocalists of the younger generation. She started her training with veteran Late Pandit Vasantrao Kulkarni of the Agra Gwalior gharanas. Thereafter she was fortunate in receiving training from none other than Gana Saraswati Smt Kishori Amonkar of the Jaipur Atrauli gharana. For a brief period she also benefited from the guidance of Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar. She is continuing her training under Pandit Dinkar Kaikini. All of her teachers have influenced Arati's style. Listening to her performances one sees a very pleasant blend of the various gharanas represented by her teachers. Endowed with a rich resonant voice, Arati's performances are marked by an excellent command over both the rhythm and the melody.

Arati has performed at many prestigious conferences in India, such as the Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav (Pune), the Malhar Utsav (Delhi), Pandit Mallikarjun Mansoor Pranam (Bhopal), the Gunidas Sangeet Sammelan (Mumbai), the Dover Lane Festival (Kolkotta), the Shankarlal Festival (Delhi) and at sabhas organized by the Madras Music Academy (Chennai). She has been on concert tours in USA, Canada, UK and UAE.

A recipient of a Central Government scholarship (1975-80) and the Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar scholarship (1980-82), Arati stood first in the All India Radio competition held during 1983 and 1984 in Indian classical music, thumri and gazal and was awarded gold medal in all the three categories.Arati has received Mayor Award (2001) and prestigious Late Pt.Kumar Gandharva Sanman (2006-07) (M.P.)

Arati has her to her credit a number of audio cassettes and CD recordings marketed by HMV, Polygram and Rhythm House. She was the main playback singer for the Sham Benegal's film, "Sardari Begum."

Arati has received National Award (best playback singer) for the Konkani film 'Anternaad', for the year 2006.She has also received Maharashtra State Award (best playback singer) for 'Lavani' in the Marathi film 'De Dhakka' for the year 2008, She has received V.Shantaram Award and Maharashtra Times Award for the same.