San Francisco-based, National Award-winning Hindustani classical vocalist Mahesh Kale’s concert ‘Infusion’ unfolded to a full house at Pandit Farms, Karve Nagar, Pune, on January 25. As winter temperatures dipped slightly, audiences gathered in large numbers for an evening that offered a fresh and contemporary musical experience. Known for his uncompromising classical grounding and expansive global outlook, Kale continues to reimagine how Indian classical music can travel, evolve, and connect with newer audiences, without losing its soul.
‘Infusion’ is a thoughtfully curated musical journey where Hindustani raagas and original bandishes meet a global soundscape. Western instruments such as piano, guitars, and drums blend seamlessly with Indian elements like the flute and rich ambient textures. The result is music that is immersive and exploratory, yet deeply rooted, classical melodies delivered through a modern sonic palette.
“To me, ‘Infusion’ is about Indian classical music trying to communicate with audiences beyond its traditional listener base,” shared Kale. “It is my effort to reach a larger world that is yet to communicate in the language of Indian classical music.”
He explained the concept through a poignant analogy: a granddaughter raised in the West addressing her grandfather on his birthday. “Her accent may not be local,” he said, “but her thoughts, devotion, and sense of belonging are absolutely clear.” ‘Infusion’, he added, may sound global in texture, but its emotional core and classical intent remain unmistakable.
The project had evolved organically through Kale’s long-standing collaborations with musicians across genres and cultures. Having worked extensively with jazz, pop, and world musicians internationally, he viewed these interactions not as experiments but as conversations. “Both sides come together with pure intent,” he explained. “Think of it like a potluck… we are all trying to make our own dishes fit together in a meaningful way.” Several of these explorations, he noted, had resonated strongly with younger listeners and with audiences eager to hear familiar raagas reinterpreted in unexpected ways.
Yet, transforming a raaga while retaining its essence is never forced. For Kale, music must grow naturally from lived experience. “You never impose your will on music,” he said. “Because I live across countries and cultures, the music in me responds to those experiences. Only what feels honest and meaningful moves forward.”
‘Infusion’ also serves as a bridge for younger audiences, those more familiar with guitars and keyboards than the tanpura or harmonium. While they may initially be drawn in by sonic familiarity, Kale hopes they will ultimately seek the deeper spirit of Indian classical music. Despite contemporary arrangements, the lyrical content, often in Braj and other traditional languages; and the raaga framework remain unmistakably classical.
Having once stepped away from a lucrative Silicon Valley career to pursue music full-time, Mahesh Kale continues his larger mission of taking Hindustani classical music to the world. ‘Infusion’ stands as another milestone in that journey; classical at heart, global in voice, and unmistakably of its time.
