Contact Us

Pandit Vinayak Chittar

  1. Home
  2.   / Pandit Vinayak Chittar
Contact Info
Pandit Vinayak Chittar
Sitar
Education
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) – Sir J. J. School of Architecture, Mumbai
Advanced musical training under Pandit Arvind Parikh and Pandit P. G. Parab

Musical Training

Vinayak Chittar is a distinguished contemporary sitar exponent known for his technical mastery and profound musical depth. His formal training in sitar began under the tutelage of the late Pandit P. G. Parab, which laid a strong foundation in the traditional sitar repertoire. He later received advanced training from Pandit Arvind Parikh, the senior-most disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan, the legendary architect of the modern sitar. Deeply inspired by the Etawah Gharana, Vinayak’s music also reflects the aesthetic nuances of the Jaipur and Agra Khayal traditions, enriching his interpretative and creative expression.

Professional Work & Contributions

  • A-Grade Artist of All India Radio in Indian Classical Instrumental Music.

  • Dedicated music educator, conducting workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and personalized training sessions in India and abroad.

  • Contributor to the creation of a comprehensive digital archive of sitar compositions and learning materials under Pandit Arvind Parikh’s guidance.

  • Served as interface architect and performer for the instructional CD-ROM “Sitar Guru” (Navras Records, 2003).

  • Regularly featured on Doordarshan and INSYNC Channel, promoting Indian classical music through digital media.

  • Director and mentor for several sitar learning initiatives aimed at preserving and evolving traditional pedagogy.

Performances

  • Presented acclaimed sitar recitals at leading national and international venues including NCPA (Mumbai), Kala Academy (Goa), Soorya Festival (Trivandrum), ITC Sangeet Research Academy (Kolkata), and Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav (Kundgol).

  • Featured performer at major international festivals and cultural centers such as Mandapa (Paris), Kanara Saraswat Association (London), Kala Darpan (Austin, Texas), Phoenix Gharana (Arizona), La Fonderie (France), and Trafo House of Contemporary Arts (Budapest).

  • Conducted sitar workshops and lecture demonstrations at premier institutions including IIT Powai, Residential Riyaz Workshop (Pune), and Lenasia School of Music (South Africa).

  • Performed extensively across India, Europe, the U.K., the U.S.A., and South Africa, earning wide acclaim for his tonal finesse and deep raga exposition.

Achievements

  • Empaneled A-Grade Artist of All India Radio.

  • Recognized for pioneering contributions to modern sitar pedagogy and digital music education.

  • Internationally acclaimed for preserving the Etawah Gharana’s legacy while integrating contemporary aesthetics.

  • Creator and performer of Sitar Guru, one of the earliest digital learning platforms for sitar students.