Arati Ankalikar Tikekar is a highly respected Indian Hindustani classical vocalist and playback singer known for her powerful voice, expressive singing, and command over several classical traditions. She has contributed to Hindustani classical music as well as Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani cinema.
Her musical style has been shaped by the Agra, Gwalior, and Jaipur-Atrauli gharanas. She began her training under Pandit Vasantrao Kulkarni and later received guidance from renowned vocalist Kishori Amonkar, as well as Pandit Dinkar Kaikini and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar.
Arati is also celebrated for her playback singing. She has won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer twice, making her one of the distinguished voices to successfully bridge the worlds of classical music and cinema.Arati Ankalikar Tikekar was born on 27 January 1963 in Bijapur, Karnataka, and was raised in Mumbai. Her parents encouraged her musical talent from an early age. She began her formal classical music training with Pandit Vasantrao Kulkarni of the Agra-Gwalior tradition.
She later studied under Gaan Saraswati Kishori Amonkar, one of India's most influential Hindustani classical vocalists, and further developed her musical knowledge under Pandit Dinkar Kaikini and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar. These influences helped her develop a distinctive style combining elements of different Hindustani gharanas.
Alongside her classical concert career, Arati Ankalikar Tikekar has worked as a playback singer in Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani films. Her notable film work includes Sardari Begum, Antarnaad, De Dhakka, Savlee, and Samhita.
She received her first National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the Konkani film Antarnaad and later won the same award for the Marathi film Samhita. She was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Hindustani Music – Vocal in 2020.
Arati has performed at prestigious music festivals and cultural venues in India and internationally. Her repertoire includes khayal, thumri, devotional music, and other forms of Hindustani classical music. Birth Date: 27 January 1963 Birth Place: Bijapur, Karnataka, India Birth Name: Arati Ankalikar Profession: Hindustani Classical Vocalist, Playback Singer Genres: Hindustani Classical Music, Khayal, Thumri, Bhajan Languages: Hindi, Marathi, Konkani Years Active: 1975–Present Death Date: Not applicable — Arati Ankalikar Tikekar is alive.