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Sur Chaitanya: Music Tuition & Education

Sur Chaitanya and the Kolhatkar family

The Story

Sur Chaitanya is rooted in a musical legacy that began in 1950, when Pandit Madhukar Kolhatkar laid the foundation for classical music education in Mumbai. Originally from Goa, he devoted his life to the study and teaching of Hindustani classical music, learning from renowned gurus across musical centres such as Indore and Gwalior and nurturing a vibrant musical culture in the community.

His work was carried forward by his son Pandit Santosh Kolhatkar, a respected vocalist, composer, lyricist, and teacher. Known for his expressive singing style, he performed across several states in India and composed music for more than 430 songs, ghazals, and bhajans in Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati.

In 1998, Pandit Santosh Kolhatkar and Vidushi Prerna Kolhatkar founded Sur Chaitanya with the vision of creating a structured curriculum for Hindustani light music while preserving the essence of traditional musical learning.

Today, the institute is led by the third generation of the Kolhatkar family, Ganpati Kolhatkar, along with Smita Deshpande-Kolhatkar and Surbhi Kolhatkar, who continue this legacy by combining traditional musical values with modern approaches to music education.

1950 to today

A Legacy since 1950

1950
Late Pandit Madhukar Kolhatkar and wife Vidushi Malti Kolhatkar establish Ghatkopar Sangeet Vidyalaya in Mumbai, laying the foundation of the Kolhatkar family’s musical legacy.
1998
Pandit Santosh Kolhatkar develops as a vocalist, composer, and teacher, performing across India and creating hundreds of musical compositions. The second generation of the Kolhatkar family, Pandit Santosh Kolhatkar and wife Vidushi Prerna Kolhatkar, establish Sur Chaitanya, Mumbai with the vision of creating a structured curriculum for Hindustani Music.
2012
Pandit Santosh Kolhatkar and Vidushi Prerna Kolhatkar establish a Sangeet Gurukul in Mandaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Narmada, with the vision of promoting Indian classical music education in rural communities in the sanctity of nature.
2022
The third generation of the Kolhatkar family, Ganpati Kolhatkar and his wife Smita Deshpande-Kolhatkar, along with Surbhi Kolhatkar, expands Sur Chaitanya’s work and establishes dedicated learning centres across Mumbai.
2026
Newest centre established at Premalaya, Deonar, Chembur, through the joint efforts of Sur Chaitanya and Dr. Varsha Parekh, a medical professional and patron of the arts.

Since 1998

Founders of Sur Chaitanya

The Kolhatkar family

A legacy, generation by generation

1950Where it began

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 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.

1950: Founded the Ghatkopar Sangeet Vidyalaya
92: Years young. Vidushi Malti Kolhatkar still serves the music community

1998The founding

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.

8: Awards in the state of Maharashtra
430+: Songs, ghazals & bhajans composed
3: Languages: Hindi, Marathi & Gujarati

The legacy continues

Leadership & Team

01Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Ganpati Kolhatkar

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.

02Chief Operating Officer

Mrs. Smita Deshpande-Kolhatkar

Smita Deshpande-Kolhatkar, an Assistant Professor of English by profession, brings 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 closely involved in the institute’s journey.

She shapes operational strategy, academic planning and institutional policies, with a focus on structured curricula, training methods and learner support. Her academic background strengthens her belief in discipline, communication and a learner-centric approach, as she builds a well-organised, inclusive music education system for learners and teachers alike.

03AO

Ms. Surbhi Kolhatkar

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.

04Head, Business Development

Mr. Ameya Deshpande

Ameya Deshpande focuses on business development, strategic partnerships and institutional growth at Sur Chaitanya. With a strong interest in building meaningful stakeholder relationships and developing scalable business opportunities, he works towards expanding access to structured music education across schools and institutions.

He is passionate about creating partnerships that bring together education, cultural heritage and community impact, helping make music learning more accessible to the next generation.

05Media & Marketing Head

Mr. Akshay S. Nerlekar

Mr. Akshay S. Nerlekar, through Elite Head Media, serves as the Media & Marketing Head of Sur Chaitanya, overseeing the institution’s brand communication, digital presence, and marketing initiatives. His role includes content creation, social media management, visual storytelling, promotional campaigns, and strategic marketing.

He works closely with the Sur Chaitanya team to effectively communicate the institution’s vision, values, achievements, programmes, and educational excellence, while building a strong and consistent digital identity. Through creative and strategic communication, Akshay and Elite Head Media help Sur Chaitanya connect meaningfully with students, parents, and the wider community.

Together

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.

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