MUMBAI: Times Music presents a real treat for the music connoisseur with its new release Draupadi, an album that is replete with melodious compositions in Hindustani Classical Music and has been performed by none other than the senior disciple of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia and the torch-bearer of the Maihar Gharana of flautists, Rupak Kulkarni.

Draupadi, as the name suggests is about the pivotal character from the epic Mahabharata with the same name. In this album, Rupak Kulkarni displays his prowess as an expert flautist by expressing the 5 various traits of the 5 important men in Draupadi's life by playing soulful and melodious renditions in 5 different styles of Hindustani Classical Music.

The album begins with a Dhrupad that describes the eldest of the five Pandavas, Yudhishtir, a calm and composed person, who signifies the shouldering of responsibilities and values. Based on the traditional morning Raag - Bhairav, this meditative track sets forth a melodious beginning. The next track is set to the afternoon Raag Bheempalasi, this track, based on the Khayaal Ang, explores the various musical possibilities of this style. The murkis and harkats or ornamentations, emphasize the beauty and strength of Indian Classical music, thereby being a befitting tribute to Bheem, the second of the Pandavas, the epitome of strength and power. This track is followed by a track which is about Arjun, in Raag Hemant, a night melody that exposes the myriad nuances of the Tantrakari Ang or instrumental music. Nakul signifies a light-hearted, easy going lad, thereby making the penultimate track - a Thumri based on Mishra Khamaj, the perfect choice to represent him musically. The final track is the one that describes Sahdev, the youngest of the Pandavas, Sahadev is the carefree, joyous of them all. A Dhun or melodic piece, based on Raag Pahadi, with no stringent structure brings forth the essence of his playfulness.

With music blown into his breath by father Pt. Malhar Kulkarni, Rupak Kulkarni has blossomed under the finest tutelage of flute maestro Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia to become an outstanding exponent of Maihar Gharana. Rupak has achieved a special mastery in Dhrupad, Khayal and Tantrakari Ang (styles) equally well. As an expert flautist and a magnificent performer, Rupak has had various concerts at international forums to his credit. Rupak has his own distinct mark and also followers and fans. His concerts are regularly aired on TV channels such as Doordarshan, Star Plus, Alpha TV, Zee Music etc and also on All India Radio and World Space Radio. Surely this album is a collector's item and Times Music has definitely done a commendable job by bringing out this gift to music lovers.