Mohanrao Karve

Mohanrao Karve is an Hindustani classical vocalist. Known for contributions to Hindustani classical music, performance, teaching, and repertoire building.

In 1933, he was offered a main role in the movie 'Bhakta Prahlad' by Saraswati Cine-tone, a renowed film company. Film director Dadasaheb Torne gave him a screen-name 'Master Mohan' and after this, he is known as 'Mohan Karve'. In that era, there was no technique of playback singing, but the actor was to sing & act simultaneously. Annasaheb Mainkar was the music director of this film. Master Mohan played the role of 'Bhakta Prahlad' very well; his songs in the film became very popular & well received by music lovers. On June 7, 1934 he was felicitated by famous political figure, N. C. Kelkar for the achievement. He also acted in Hindi Film 'Bhakta Chetaa' under the same banner in 1934. But after these two successful movies, he left the film industry because his real passion was to learn Khayal Gayaki.

In the period 1935 to 38, Mohan Karve got musical mentoring by the celebrated singer-composer Master Krishnarao Phulambrikar (disciple of Pandit Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, Gwalior-Agra-Jaipur Gharana) and in these 4 years, he was strongly impressed by this remarkable performer's rendering of a Raga. In the same period, Mohan Karve was fortunate to witness the instruction of Tabla given to Lalaji Gokhale under Tabla maestro Ust. Ahmadjan Thirkawa. Due to this, he developed the deep sense for Laya & Tala.

From 1938 to 1943, Mohan Karve was blessed to receive training under Gayanacharya Ramkrishnabuwa Vaze (Gwalior Gharana) & after this his death, Mohanrao continued under Vazebuwa's disciple Haribhau Ghanghrekar. Mohanrao also got sporadic training from Dinkarpant Phatak (Vazebuwa's disciple) and Pt. Shiwrambuwa Vaze (Vazebuwa's son).