Rajashekhar Mansur is a Hindustani Classical vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana.
Background
Though he started accompanying his father since age 20, he never practiced music full-time, and was a professor of English at Karnataka University, in his native Dharwad. Mansur was born to singer Mallikarjun Mansur, one of the leading singers of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana founded by Ustad Alladiya Khan.
Career
Pint He is the son and disciple of Hindustani vocalist Pint Mallikarjun Mansur. He was awarded the 2012, the highest award for performing artists, conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. At the age of 16, Rajashekar performed Rag Malkauns in his college gatherings and received tuition from his father.
He completed his Master of Arts in English Literature and an Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Wales on a British Council Scholarship.
Mansur start accompanying his father on concert at age 20, though he never practiced signing as a full-time profession, until his retirement. Mansur taught literature and linguistics for nearly 35 years and retired as a Professor and Chairman of the English Department, Karnatak University, Dharwad.He also taught English at P.G.Centre Gulbarga.
At the same time, he continued to pursue music, giving vocal support to his father and also performing independently at various prestigious music festivals and on the radio. He is now Top Grade Vocalist in the Associated Independent Recording. He has performed extensively in many prestigious music festivals throughout the country.
The Karnatak Government has recognised his contributions to music by awarding him the Rajyotsava Award (1997).
He was nominated as the chairman of Karnatak Sangeet Nrutya Akademi (2005–2008). He is also the recipient of Karnatak Kalashri Gaurav Award (2009). His music has been preserved in the archives of Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal.
In September 7, 2009, he released his music album, In The Footsteps and Beyond to coinciding with his 60th birthday.
In 2012, he was awarded the, the highest award for performing artists, conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India"s National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama.