MUMBAI: Expanding its reach in Marathi music, Universal Music has launched a devotional album titled ‘Dinacha Soyra Pandurang’.

Introducing the winner of Marathi Sa Re Ga Ma Little Champs 2008-09 Kartiki Gaikwad, the album comprises of eight tracks, four in praise of the Hindu god Vitthala (abhang) and four tracks of Goulan. The lyrics are taken from the scriptures of renowned saints Sant Tukaram, Sant Namdeo and Sant Eknath amongst others. The music is composed by Kalayanji Gaikwad and arranged by Kamlesh Bhadkamkar.

The album was launched by Balasaheb Thackeray in the presence of Kartiki Gaikwad and Universal Music India CFO Mandar Gupte.

Gupte said, “Universal Music India had committed to release Kartiki’s first solo album right when she was declared the winner of Marathi Sa Re Ga Ma Little Champs in 2009. The devotional album which is entirely composed by her father Kalyanji Gaikwad has abhangs written by renowned saints of Maharashtra. Kartiki comes out as a mature singer at such a young age in rendition of these songs. We look forward to huge acceptance by the audience for this album.”

Kartiki Gaikwad said, “Dinacha Soyra Pandurang is my first devotional album and it’s very close to my heart. I would like to thank everyone associated with it and really hope that this album is loved by all.”