Ramchandra Kundgolkar Saunshi

Sawai Gandharva (19 January 1886 - 12 September 1952), born Ramachandra Kundgolkar Saunshi in Kundgol near Dharwad, Karnataka, was one of the most celebrated Hindustani classical vocalists of the Kirana gharana. He became a devoted disciple of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan after being captivated by his singing at a young age. Apart from classical music, Sawai Gandharva was associated with Marathi musical theatre, joining drama companies and becoming popular for performing female roles. He earned the title Sawai Gandharva, inspired by the famous theatre artist Bal Gandharva. In 1942, at age 56, his concert career ended abruptly following a paralytic stroke, but he continued teaching until his death in 1952. His most enduring legacy is as a guru who trained towering vocalists including Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal, Basavaraj Rajguru, and Firoz Dastur. The annual Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav in Pune, one of India's most prestigious classical music festivals, honors his memory.