Description
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” — Victor Hugo 🎶
On a winter evening in Mumbai in 2016, journalist Sumana Ramanan attended a private Hindustani classical performance. The singer, a man in his seventies, was performing khayal—one of the subcontinent’s most scintillating and intricate musical genres, a word that literally translates to “imagination.” Ramanan was astounded. Despite being a student of khayal, a regular concertgoer, and a music writer, she had never heard of him before. How could a maestro of such extraordinary caliber remain hidden from the mainstream?
The Secret Master: Arun Kashalkar and a Journey to the Edge of Music is a musical detective story that attempts to answer exactly that. This deeply researched biography unspools the life, art, and milieu of Pandit Arun Kashalkar. Operating on the fringes of Mumbai’s mainstream music ecosystem, Kashalkar represents a wider, vibrant underground scene that has been quietly preserving Hindustani classical music in its purest, most traditional forms. Ramanan didn’t just write about him; she joined his large community of students, grappling firsthand with his rhythm-infused style to understand the man behind the music.
However, this book is far more than a conventional biography. It is a bold, forensic critique of India’s modern musical ecosystem. Ramanan asks the tough questions: Why do musicians of middling talent dominate the mainstream while true masters are pushed to the margins? She explores the “invisible hand” of the market, the commercialization of cultural institutions, and the high cost of a system that frequently rewards flashy showmanship over deep, substantive artistry. It is an essential excavation of khayal’s multicultural history and a meditation on its future.
A labour of love nearly a decade in the making, The Secret Master is a love letter to the guru-shishya tradition and the uncompromising dedication required to master an art form. It is a celebration of the quiet determination that sustains India’s classical heritage, offering an intimate portrait of an artist who values patience, tradition, and perfection above popular acclaim.
🖋️ About the Author
Sumana Ramanan is an award-winning journalist with over 35 years of experience. She has worked for leading media organizations as an investigative reporter, feature writer, foreign correspondent, senior editor, and columnist. Drawn to hidden histories and narrative non-fiction, she also spent years helping curate a prominent literature festival. To stay grounded, she sings, swims, and practices yoga. She lives in Bengaluru, with one foot firmly planted in Mumbai, where she grew up.
🎯 Who Needs to Read This?
Indian Classical Music Devotees: Anyone who loves khayal, respects the guru-shishya tradition, and wants a deeper understanding of ragas and voice training.
Art & Culture Critics: Readers interested in the intersection of art, commerce, and how the mainstream market dictates cultural preservation.
Lovers of Narrative Non-Fiction & Biographies: Those who enjoy deep-dive, investigative journalism that uncovers hidden brilliance and unsung heroes.
Have you ever discovered an incredible artist who seemed completely ignored by the mainstream? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 👇
#TheSecretMaster #SumanaRamanan #ArunKashalkar #HindustaniClassical #KhayalMusic #IndianClassicalMusic #MusicBiography #IndianAuthors #NonFictionBooks #BookstagramIndia #CulturalHistory #BookRecommendations #ContextBooks #HiddenHistories
📚 Top Goodreads-Style Comments to Boost Engagement
5 Stars – A phenomenal blend of biography and cultural critique
“I expected a straightforward biography of a musician, but Ramanan delivers so much more. This book is a brilliant, sometimes scathing, look at the ecosystem of Indian classical music. It is infuriating to read how brilliant artists like Kashalkar are sidelined because they refuse to commercialize their art or pander to modern tastes. The author’s personal journey as his student adds such a beautiful, intimate layer to the narrative. A must-read for anyone who cares about the preservation of pure art.”
4 Stars – Deeply researched and beautifully written
“You don’t need to be an expert in khayal to appreciate this book, though it certainly helps! Ramanan’s background as an investigative journalist shines through here. She doesn’t just tell Kashalkar’s story; she dissects the very structures—the institutions, the patrons, the PR machines—that decide who gets to be a ‘star.’ It took her a decade to write, and you can feel that dedication on every page. It is a dense read at times, but incredibly rewarding.”
5 Stars – A love letter to the true spirit of music
“This is one of the most moving books I’ve read this year. Pt. Arun Kashalkar’s dedication to his craft, his humility, and his absolute refusal to compromise his music for fame is deeply inspiring. Sumana Ramanan captures the essence of the guru-shishya relationship perfectly. It made me reflect on how much incredible talent exists in the ‘underground’ simply because they lack the right connections or refuse to play the PR game. A beautifully crafted homage to a master.”
ISBN : 9789371979658
HARDBACK
