Training Background

Training in Hindustani Classical Music in Guru Shishya Parampara, from his father pandit Shanti Chaitanya Kaul and Acharya Nirmala Arun (Renowned exponent of Patiala Gharana). Formal training in Tabla from Ustad-Hashmet Ali Khan of Ajrada Gharana.

Style & Specialization

There are many (Gharanas) schools of Indian Classical Music. Every Gharana has its distinct style. In the history of Indian classical music a remarkable style of singing emerged from Punjab (land of Sufis and Saints) this style of singing is now known as Punjab Ang.

Dhananjay specializes in this particular style of Hindustani vocal music. Apart from Khayal (Raga) singing, he also specializes in semi classical forms of Hindustani vocal music such as Thumri, Dadra, Kafi, Ghazal, Sufiana Kalam and Bhajans.

There are two prominent Gharanas (Schools) of Hindustani music as far as Punjab Ang is concerned, (a). Patiala Gharana (b). Shyam Chaurasi Gharana. Dhananjay projects these two traditions of Patiala and Shyam Chaurasi styles, as expounded by the great Ustads (Masters) of Punjab like Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Barkat Ali Khan, Salamat Ali Khan, Fateh Ali Khan and his guru Acharya Nirmala Devi. Dhananjay has also incorporated some element of Kirana Gharana into his singing as far as Raga Music is concerned.

His singing is full throated and bold, with beautiful tapestry of Swaras (Musical Notes). His voice has requisite bass and Jhawari (A kind of rattle in the throat) and readiness to execute different Tana patterns.

Born in Kashmir (Land of Shavait Saints and Sufis) Dhananjay's voice is cast in devotional mould and trained in Patiala Syham Chaurasi mould.

The musical utterances of Dhananjay are highly embroidered. His throat rustles through intricate patterns of Swaras (Musical Notes) and Shrutis (Sub Notes) with great alacrity, aplomb and address. The florid and dazzling vocalism of Dhananjay Kaul marks him out as an artist of unique flair.

Performances

  • Performed with Ghulam Ali Saheb at Ahmedabad on 4th January 2015.
  • Represented India in International Sufi Festival at Delhi on 10th February 2015.
  • Performed with Asha Bhosle at Vadodara on 3rd May 2015. 
  • Performed with Kailash Kher at Bharuch on 17th May 2015.
  • Kalyani Sangeet Mahotsav, Sri fort Delhi Jan. 1995, shared stage with great pandit Bhim Sen Joshi.
  • Classical deviational recital before great spiritual guru Shri Murari Bapu at Hajipeer, Gujarat, with famous Sarangi Maestro ustad Sultan Khan and his group.
  • A Sufiana recital at Dal lake, Srinagar, sharing stage with renowned Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans, organised by J&K Tourism dep. in June 2014.
  • Sufiana concert before great spiritual guru Shri Murari Bapu at Gurukul Kailas, Gujarat Jan. 2006.
  • Yuva Mahotsav and Yatra festival organized by Sahitya Kala Parishad (S.K.P. Delhi) in 1998.
  • Himachal Shastriya Sangeet festival 2003, 2005 & 2008.
  • Thumri festival Sep. 2009 at Azad Bhawan Delhi organized by ICCR.
  • Performed in Delhi International Arts Festival in 2012.
  • World Music Festival, Leh (Ladakh) India August 2004.
  • Virasat International Music festival Dehradun India Oct. 2003-05 & 08.
  • Saptak Sangeet Samaroh (Ahmedabad) Jan. 2006 & 2009. One of the most prestigious and biggest festivals of Hindustani Classical Music in the World.
  • Classical vocal performance at Epicenter Gurgaon May 2009.
  • Performed in Commonwealth Travel Mart at New Delhi (August 20I0).
  • NZCC concerts at Chandigarh, Punjab 1993-96.
  • Classical and devotional concert at India Habitat Centre Delhi, based on gayaki of Punjab Ang, 2007-08 & 2009.
  • Performed in India lntemational Trade fair in 2011 at Delhi.
  • Performed at Aiwane Ghalib Delhi in Feb. 2014. Based on selected Ghazals of Mirza Ghalib. The concert was sponsored by ETv. Urdu and aired live.
  • Performed in two concerts at Festival of India in June-20I0, at Madrid and Valladolid, Spain.
  • U.K concert tour August 2010, performed at Bedford University and annual Luton Mela.
  • South Asia fraternity concerts at Lahore Pakistan April 2007.
  • Sufiana concert at Al Jumera Madinat Dubai July 2008.
  • Presented a Sufi Ghazal recital before an audience of 3000 delegates from all over the world at El.Panama, Republic of Panama in July 2014.
  • U.K. concert tour 2009, performed at Luton (Luton Mela) Leicester City, Lexus center London and Nehru Centre London.
  • Performed in USA during a 3 months long Concert Tour from July to September 2014.
  • Directed classical vocal music workshops for young students in Delhi and Srinagar organized by SKP Delhi and J&K cultural academy. Composed music for several theatre, Television & Radio production, approved artist of AIR & Doordarshan.

Achievements

  • Award of national fellowship in the field of music, by department of culture HRD Ministry Govt. of India 1998.
  • Home land Award (By panun Kashmir foundation) 2009, for contribution in the field of Indian Classical Music.
  • Empaneled with ICCR (Indian council for cultural relations) ministry of external affairs Govt. of India, since 2005.
  • Several received in Houston, Texas, California and NewJersey. Which includes...
    • Special congressional recognition by All Green member of Congress Sugar Land.
    • Proclamation of Dhananjay Kaul Day (July 31st 2014) in Houston Texas by Annise Parker, the Honorable Mayor of Houston.
    • Certificate of recognition by Ellen M Corbett, Senator of California State.
    • Proclamation of Dhananjay Kaul Day (Sep. 2nd 2014) in city of Fremont California.
    • Proclamation of special recognition by Thomas Lankey, Honorable mayor of Edison NewJersy.
    • Proclamation of recognition by the Municipal Council of Edison.
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