Sanjeev Abhyankar is a renowned Indian Hindustani classical vocalist of the Mewati Gharana. Known for his melodious voice and command over classical and devotional music, he has performed extensively in India and internationally. He is a prominent disciple of the legendary classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj.
Sanjeev Abhyankar is also known for his work as a playback singer in Hindi cinema. His notable film songs include “Suno Re Bhaila” from Godmother, “Tum Gaye” from Maachis, “Lai Ja Re Badra” from Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar, “Rukhe Naina” from Maqbool and “Yeh Hai Shaan Banaras Ki” from Banaras.Sanjeev Abhyankar was born on 5 October 1969 in Pune, Maharashtra, into a musical family. His mother, Dr. Shobha Abhyankar, was a singer, musicologist and teacher. He showed an interest in music from a very young age and began his formal training in Hindustani classical music at the age of eight.
He initially trained under his mother and Pandit Gangadharbua Pimpalkhare and later became a disciple of Pandit Jasraj, one of India's most celebrated Hindustani classical vocalists. Sanjeev underwent rigorous training under Pandit Jasraj through the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara for around ten years, from 1984 to 1994.
Sanjeev gave his first major stage performance in Mumbai at the age of 11 in 1981. He subsequently performed at prestigious classical music conferences and venues throughout India and abroad. His official biography records performances in more than 200 cities across India, the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Alongside his classical career, Abhyankar has contributed to Hindi films as a playback singer. His performance of “Suno Re Bhaila” in Godmother earned him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for 1998. The official National Film Award citation specifically praised his blending of folk, bhajan and popular musical elements in the song.
He has also recorded numerous classical, devotional and spiritual albums and has worked with major music labels. His repertoire includes khayal, bhajans, Marathi abhangs, bhavgeet and Hindi-Sanskrit devotional music. He has received several honours, including the Kumar Gandharva National Award and other recognitions for his contribution to Indian classical music.
Sanjeev Abhyankar continues to remain active as a classical and devotional vocalist, with music releases listed as recently as 2026. Birth Date: 5 October 1969 Birth Place: Pune, Maharashtra, India Profession: Hindustani Classical Singer, Playback Singer, Devotional Singer, Composer Gharana: Mewati Gharana