For generations of music lovers in Pune, a visit to Alurkar Music House on Karve Road was akin to a sacred ritual. More than a mere record store, it served as a hallowed ground for connoisseurs of Indian classical music, founded and curated by the late Suresh Alurkar. Today, that profound musical legacy is being carried forward, but with a distinctive new rhythm, by his son Vineet Alurkar.
From Classical Archives to Western Riffs: A New Chapter
The original shop was famed for its unparalleled collection, including rare classical recordings, exclusive archives of the prestigious Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav, and unique CDs of beloved writer-humorist Pu La Deshpande. Suresh Alurkar's endorsement was a gold standard; a call from him to record signified an artist's arrival on the classical music scene. Vineet, growing up in this environment, was immersed in excellence, attending intimate baithaks and grand concerts by legends.
However, Vineet's own path diverged towards Western music. He carved a significant niche in Pune's alternative scene with popular bands like Blackbirds, Yoga Logic, and the phenomenally successful Baavdhan Booze Band. The latter became a local powerhouse, performing an incredible 123 concerts in just two years (2003-2004). Despite his foray into Western genres, the foundational influence of his classical upbringing remained profound.
Reunion and Resonance: A Free Concert for Pune
This Sunday, Vineet Alurkar will reunite with his longtime collaborator, guitarist Dhruv Bhate, for a special performance at Bookbar Café. The free public concert, beginning at 10:30 am, will feature a set of 12 songs, with half being original compositions. This partnership traces back to a school reunion for Abhinav Vidyalaya, where Vineet reconnected with Bhate, then a COEP engineering student.
Their musical synergy defined much of the 2000s Pune stage, and they have toured Europe ten times over the past 15 years. "When I started writing songs, I realised how much the classical music I grew up with had influenced me," Vineet reflected. "You absorb things unintentionally. I always advise students to listen widely; the mind absorbs things we don't yet consciously understand."
Reinventing Tradition and Sharing Stories
While honoring the past, Vineet is also innovating. He has been reinventing the traditional baithak through his "Gayatri sessions"—intimate gatherings celebrating the pure love of music. These sessions have featured maestros like sitar virtuoso Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. Furthermore, during Sunday's event, Vineet will discuss his book, Rock 'n Roll Dreams, Indian Reality.
He describes his early songs as "timestamps of emotion," capturing the playful spirit of youth. "The silliness, innocence, and simple fun live on in those older tracks. It will be a nostalgic experience for those who were in college in the early 2000s and loved the local music scene," he said. Through teaching for over 20 years across India and Europe, and now through these performances and sessions, Vineet Alurkar ensures that the Alurkar name continues to be synonymous with musical passion and quality in Pune.
