| Smita Bellur | |
| Instrument: | Sufi singer |
| Genre: | Hindustani classical and Sufi devotional music |
| Occupation: | Musician and singer |
| Years Active: | 25 |
Smita Rao Bellur is an Indian singer of Hindustani classical music, particularly the Khyal genre, as well as Sufi devotional music,.[1] [2] [3] including (Qawwali. She is associated with the Kirana gharana, a prominent musical lineage[4] that originated in Jaipur.
Smita Rao Bellur hails from North Karnataka, India.[5]
She regularly broadcasts as a graded artiste (B High) from India’s national broadcasting network- All India Radio/Doordarshan, and from media/TV Networks and radio channels such as ETV Urdu/Kannada, Zee, Doordarshan, TV9 and Suvarna/Asianet and All India Radio/Doordarshan, FM channels such as 92.7BIG FM in addition to Twaang, Apple music, Spotify, Gaana, Saavn, Wynk, Hungama and Amazon music etc.[6]
Smita has earlier been a senior faculty at the Shankar Mahadevan Academy. In addition, she also works on a fellowship research project by the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy and the India Foundation for the Arts.[7]
She holds a Master of Science in Quality Management (MS QM) from BITS Pilani and a Bachelor of Engineering from Bangalore University. Prior to her career in music, she worked in the software industry, holding positions at multinational companies such as First Apex, Oracle, and SAP. She later transitioned to a full-time career in music.[8]
Bellur's musical journey began under the tutelage of P.R. Bhagwat and Arjunsa Nakod, followed by advanced training from Rajabhau Sontakke, a disciple of Omkarnath Thakur, and Bhalachandra Nakod. She is currently studying Khyal under the guidance of Alka Dev Marulkar. Additionally, she is being trained in Sufiana music and Qawwali by Naasir–Nazeer Ahmed Warsi (Warsi Brothers) of Hyderabad, who are the grandsons of Padmashri Aziz Ahmed Warsi. Bellur is also mentored in Sufism by Dr. Ejazuddin Ashrafi and Syed Zia Alvi of Delhi.[9]
Smita Bellur has a YouTube channel featuring various Sufi music, including popular songs like 'Kab Tak Mere Maula' and 'Man Kunto Maula.'
A curated Sufi music playlist by Smita Bellur can be found, including tracks like 'Phir Maang Phir Maang' and more authentic Sufi songs.
Smita Bellur's songs are available for streaming on platforms like WynkMusic and JioSaavn, where you can find her top tracks including 'Bas Ab Mere Dil Mein.' source