Swararni

Dr. Rita Dev, a distinguished name in the field of Hindustani Classical Vocal music, is a vocalist from the Banaras Gharana. As a vocalist, her skill spans both the Banaras and Gwalior gharana of Hindustani classical music traditions. Dr. Dev's repertoire includes both classical and semi-classical genres- khyal, Thumri, Dadra, kajri, Holi, Jhoola, Chaiti, Tappa and Bhajan. Trained under the Legendary Vocalist, Queen of Thumri, Padma Vibhushan Vidhushi Dr.Girija Devi, Dr. Rita Dev has successfully carved her niche amongst music lovers.

Born in Assam, Dr. Dev was initiated into Indian Classical music at an early age under Guru Sri Nirmal Acharjee. Passion and quest in music inspired her to study post graduation in Banaras Hindu University and had the opportunity of learning under Guru Prof.Dr. Chittaranjan Jyotishi of Gwalior gharana, under whose tutelage she completed her doctorate. She has also enjoyed the fortune of learning light classical music under late Pandit Mahadev Prasad Mishra of Banaras Gharana.

In her illustrious career, she has graced stages across the nation and received wide appreciation for her soulful performance. Few of the major  concerts  she has performed includes :    Tansen Samaroh– Gwalior, Baba Allauddin Khan Sangeet Sammelen - Maihar, Padmashri Phadke Sangeet Samaroh- Dhar, Sangeet Natak Academy - Lucknow, Budhwa Mangal Festival - Varanasi, Amir Khusro Music festival -Chennai , Jawahar Kala Kendra -Jaipur, Royal Fables - New Delhi,   Sham -ae-Awadh - A musical evening by Yash Raj Films,        Triveni Sangeet Sabha - Chandigarh,    Shadaj Baithak - New Delhi, IIC - New Delhi,   HCL Music Concert  - NCR,   VSK Baithak -  New Delhi  and Banaras Utsav – Bhopal.  She is a grade “A “artiste of the All India Radio and has been  a successful part of many leading musical TV presentation like Mausiqi Ek khoj, Aradhana, Swaranjali, and many more.

Her imaginative presentation, mastery over the subtleties of melody, stirring portrayals and perfect renditions of intricate appealing phrases in alap, bol banav, sargam and taan makes her music a classy and a divine experience to the distinguished listeners. 

Dr. Dev is the worthy recipient of many accolades and awards including the Pt. Omkarnath Thakur Award, Sangeet Ratna and Swara Ratna as the most prestigious ones. 

Dr. Rita Dev conquered yet another milestone when her Guru Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Dr.Girija Devi sensed and acknowledged the potential of her deciple and bestowed to deciple, the most precious blessing in the Guru and Shishya Parampara   ‘Ganda Bhandhan’ a very special spiritual ceremony between Guru and disciple, showing trust and confidence of Guru to her disciple to take forward Guru’s beautiful legacy of Puravang Gayaki.

Apart from regular stage performances she is associated with Agra College, Agra as Associate Professor (vocal), in department of music.

As the torchbearer of the Banaras Gharana and of the Classical Music tradition Dr. Dev believes - "In India, classical music is not considered as a source of entertainment but it is regarded as a source to connect with the divine being “ and this artiste aspires and continues to connect all music lovers with the divine power through her music.
 

NEWS REVIEW

Dainik Jagran- Varanasi, Jan 2014
"Rita Dev apni khub surat awaj se sabhi ka dil jeeta"

Hindustan - Varanasi, Jan 2014
"Rita Dev ke sur rashmio ne srothao ko jhumne par majbur kar diya"

Aaj - Varanasi, Jan 2014
"Dr. Rita Dev Apni sumadhur geeto se sama bhanda"

Punjab Kesari - Jaipur, Jan 2014 
"Dr. Rita Dev ki soorilee prastutiya ne moha mann"

Dainik Bhaskar - Jaipur, Jan 2014 
"Jaoo Ji Jaoo Mujse Na Bolo - Raga mannd ke suro se jiwant ki ruthi hue nayakan ki manodasha"

Rajasthan Patrika - Jaipur, Jan 2014 
"Dr Rita Dev ki Gwalior gharane ki gyaki mein khoe rasik shorta"

Dainik Jagran- Lucknow, Oct 2013 
"Begum Akthar ke yaad mein sangeet natak academy dwara ayojit, Rita Dev ka gayan - thumri, dadra ebong ghazal darshako ko sarwar kar diya"

Dainik Bhaskar - Bhopal , Sept 2013 
"Classical singer Rita Dev ke dwara kajri aur jhola ka ek yadgar prastuti shrota ko mantra mugdh kiya"

Dainik Jagran - Bhopal , Sept 2013 
"Dr. Rita Dev geet pesh kar sabhi ka dil jeet liya."

Dainik Bhaskar- Bhopal, Aug 2013 
"Rita Dev apani avyas, taleem aur sadhana ka ek jordar prastuti di."

Dainik Jagran - Maihar , April. 2013 
"Rita Dev ne Baba Allauddin Khan sangeet sammelen mein ek manohar gayan ki prastuti di"

Aaj - Varanasi mahanagar, Nov'12 
"— Audiences enjoyed her distinctive style and unique melody." 

Rajasthan Patrika, Sept'06 
An outstanding performance presented by Dr. Rita Dev. 

Dainik Bhaskar, Sept'06 
An evening with melodial vocal presentation by Dr. Rita Dev. 

The Hindu, Chennai, Dec'03 
"—The quality of Rita's voice, well honed overyears of practice in Banaras and Gwalior styles, was at its best in her appropriate use of Khatkha and Murki- 
-Rita's rendition reflected the "Cyaya" of her Guru - the spirited Girija Devi"

Hindustan Times, Kolkata June'01
"— Performed khayal based on Raga Puriya Kalyan. They were able to bring out pathos inherent in this evening Raga. The unhurried vistaar added colour and bols and sharp tihais were enthusiastically applauded.