Karkala vocalist Mahalaxmi bags Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

Udupi: For Hindustani classical vocalist Mahalaxmi Shenoy of Karkala, music has been a lifelong journey of learning. That journey has now earned national recognition, with her being selected for the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024.

The General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi has selected 106 young artistes for the puraskar for 2024 and 2025.

Reacting to the honour, Mahalaxmi said the award comes with a sense of responsibility. “Classical music is like an ocean, and learning never stops. I want to remain a student of music throughout my life. This award feels like a huge responsibility,” she said.

The daughter of Dr Prakash Shenoy and Bharathi Shenoy, Mahalaxmi’s tryst with music began at a young age. Today, she is a recognised Hindustani classical vocalist and a disciple of Grammy Award-winning mohanveena maestro Padma Bhushan Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt. She has completed Sangeet Visharad from Akhila Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal and has built a reputation as a performer across the country.

Mahalaxmi holds double master’s degrees in social work and counselling and psychotherapy. She also earned an MA in Music with distinction and a gold medal from Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan. She is A-grade artiste in Hindustani classical vocal music certified by All India Radio and has presented over 1,500 concerts.

In 2017, she launched 'Spectrum', a musical ensemble featuring young accomplished musicians. Conceived in Manipal, the ensemble takes audiences on a journey through classical, devotional and patriotic music.

Mahalaxmi is also trained in Carnatic music under Vidwan Vyasa Krishna Upadhyaya and is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.