About us

SUR CHAITANYA AND THE KOLHATKAR FAMILY

Founders of Sur Chaitanya

Pandit Santosh Kolhatkar

Mrs. Prerna Kolhatkar

Pandit Madhukar Kolhatkar and Mrs Malti Kolhatkar

Pandit Madhukar Kolhatkar was the first person to lay the foundation of the Kolhatkar Family as he established classical music culture in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Hailing from the hearts of Goa, he was embraced as a mentor by the people of Ghatkopar with open arms. He established himself in Mumbai as the founder of the Ghatkopar Sangeet Vidyalaya In Year 1950 and became a part of the Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. In the 1950s, he traveled the princely states like Indore and Gwalior, learning various vocal, Sitar and Dilruba playing styles from different gurus and ustads. His adventurous nature and the diversity of classical music enamored him, and he continued to explore all aspects of music with consistency. He was married to Vidushi Malati Kolhatkar who is still serving the music community at 92 years of age.

Pandit Santosh Kolhatkar and Mrs.Prerna Kolhatkar

Pt. Santosh Kolhatkar, the eldest son of Pt. Madhukar Kolhatkar, carried forward his father’s work with true dedication. Calm and deeply understanding, he is as knowledgeable in classical music as his father. He excelled far into the field of music due to his unparalleled and captivating singing style. Apart from being a teacher, he gained much fame as a singer, lyricist, and composer. As an artist, he presented his singing performances in many cities of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, acquainting himself with the local communities and audiences there. He was honored with 8 awards in the state of Maharashtra and received recognition from numerous institutions and senior artists. As a composer, he composed music for more than 430 songs, ghazals, and bhajans in Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. As a lyricist, he created several compositions by combining various classical music compositions and wrote many compositions on guru devotion and patriotism. In 1998, Pt. Santosh Kolhatkar along with his wife Vidushi Prerna Kolhatkar, discerned the need for a standardized curriculum for Hindustani Light Music and founded Sur Chaitanya with the vision of standardizing a curriculum of light music.

Mr. Ganpati Kolhatkar
CEO, Sur Chaitanya

In the contemporary era, the cherished legacy of musical brilliance, crafted over generations by the Kolhatkar family, continues to thrive under the capable guidance of the current generation. Ganpati Kolhatkar, firmly rooted in tradition yet embracing a forward-looking approach, steers Sur Chaitanya towards promising horizons.

With his visionary perspective and strategic acumen, Ganpati charts new pathways for Sur Chaitanya’s growth. Drawing from his rich familial heritage and profound musical understanding, he conceives innovative programs and initiatives to share the essence of Hindustani music with diverse audiences. His unwavering dedication to both preserving classical traditions and exploring new avenues fuels the very heart of Sur Chaitanya’s mission.

Mrs. Smita Deshpande-Kolhatkar
COO, Sur Chaitanya

Smita Deshpande-Kolhatkar, an Assistant Professor of English by profession, brings a unique blend of academic excellence and administrative insight to her role as Chief Operating Officer at Sur Chaitanya. As the wife of founder Ganpati Kolhatkar, she has been deeply involved in the institute’s journey and shares his passion for music and education.

Smita plays a key role in shaping operational strategy, academic planning, and institutional policies at Sur Chaitanya. She is especially focused on developing structured curricula, training methodologies, and learner support systems that meet the diverse needs of today’s students. Her academic background also makes her deeply sensitive to the importance of creating a nurturing and respectful environment for both learners and teachers.

Smita is committed to taking forward the vision of Sur Chaitanya by building a well-organised, structured, and inclusive music education system. Her background in academia strengthens her belief in discipline, communication, and a learner-centric approach — values she now brings into the world of music education. With a deep sense of purpose and love for the family-led initiative, she is dedicated to nurturing Sur Chaitanya into a trusted name for quality musical learning.

Ms. Surbhi Kolhatkar
AO, Sur Chaitanya

Equally qualified and deeply committed, Surbhi Kolhatkar plays a pivotal role in complementing her brother Ganpati’s visionary leadership with her own administrative finesse, expertise, and grounded experience in the music field. With a rich background spanning years of teaching, curriculum development, and administrative leadership, she brings both depth and discipline to Sur Chaitanya’s day-to-day functioning.

Surbhi’s journey in the music industry is marked by her unwavering dedication to quality education and her hands-on involvement in shaping hundreds of learners across age groups. This makes her a vital force behind the institute’s learner-centric approach.

Together, as partners in vision and execution, the current generation of the Kolhatkar Family forms an indomitable team. Upholding the esteemed legacy of the Family, they infuse Sur Chaitanya with grace and innovation, fostering its continued growth as a beacon of musical enlightenment. Driven by their synergy, Sur Chaitanya flourishes, nurturing talents and spreading the joy of Hindustani Music along with western music far and wide.