Raga Todi: Sung by S D Batish

Tabla by: Ashwin Batish (30 min)

1. Alaap - Introduction
2. Jai Jai Mahadev Kriti in Tintal

Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish was born in a Brahman family and received classical music training from his guru Shri Chandan Ram Charan of Patiala, Punjab. In 1936, he rose to stardom with his hit song Khamosh Nigahen from the film Dassi, he has recorded virtually thousands of songs with His Master’s Voice of India. Panditji has composed music for over 45 films in India and directed music & sung and worked with leading music directors such as S. D. Burman and O. P. Nayyar. He is recognized as an outstanding artist A grade artist of All India radio and TV. His Compositions have been rendered by top singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle, Mohamad Rafi, Talat Mahmood. Some of his hit songs are, Ishk Ishk Qawali, Manmohan Man Me, Poocho Na Kaise Maine Rain Bitaee.

In England, Panditji worked with the BBC and was one of the founders of the TV program Apna Hi Ghar Samajhiye created for the resident immigrants of India. He also composed and directed music for over 20 documentary movies. His most popular venture was when he helped the Beatles record the sound track for their film “Help”. He also taught George Harrison and his wife Patti the Dilruba.

In 1970 , Panditji moved to California to teach Indian music at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Here, along with his son Ashwin, he formed the Batish Institute of Indian Music and Fine Arts dedicated to teaching and furthering the culture and arts of India.