Khayal Baithak with Mandakini Swain

Compositions in Khayal, accompanied by Kaustuv Swain on tabla

Khayal is one of the principal forms of Hindustani classical vocal music. Built around a composition and the exploration of a raga, khayal allows musicians to develop melody through improvisation. The form thrives on the stringing of personal, often whimsical, interpretations across the framework of structured music.

In this intimate baithak, Hindustani classical vocalist Mandakini Swain presents a selection of khayal compositions, accompanied by tabla. Trained in the Hindustani vocal tradition under several distinguished musicians, Mandakini’s repertoire includes khayal as well as devotional music in Sanskrit, Hindi and Odia.

The evening will also feature a tabla solo by Kaustuv Swain, offering audiences an opportunity to listen closely to the instrument’s rhythmic vocabulary and its relationship with the melodic traditions of Hindustani music.

About the Artists

Mandakini Swain

Mandakini Swain is a Hindustani classical vocalist who began her musical training at the age of seven under her father, Pandit A. Maheswar Rao. She subsequently trained under eminent gurus including Vidushi Veena Sahashrabudhe, Pandit J.V.S. Rao, Pandit Madhup Mudgal and Dr. Vikas Kashalkar. A specialist in Khayal and devotional music, her repertoire spans Sanskrit, Hindi and Odia, and she has also worked extensively with Odissi, Kathak and Bharatanatyam dance traditions. An ICCR-empanelled artist, Mandakini has performed at venues and festivals across India and internationally, including in Singapore, Malaysia, Austria, South Africa, Mauritius and the United States. She has also served as a music teacher-cum-performer at the High Commission of India in Trinidad & Tobago.

Kaustuv Swain

Kaustuv Swain is a tabla artist who began his training in taal and laya under his father, Guru Shri Jitendra Kumar Swain. He later became a disciple of Padmashri Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, under whose guidance he continues to train. A CCRT scholar and B-High grade artist of All India Radio, Kaustuv has performed extensively in India and internationally, accompanying established Hindustani classical musicians as well as presenting tabla solos. He also holds a Gold Medal in Bachelor of Performing Arts from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune.

Date and time:
26 September 2026, Saturday
05:00 PM – 07:00 PM

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