Jyoti Hegde, hailing from Dharwad, Karnataka, holds the rare distinction of being India’s only woman rudra veena artiste. A disciple of the late Ustad Asad Ali Khan, she has dedicated her life to preserving and performing on this ancient, spiritually resonant instrument from the Dhrupad tradition.

Unlike most string instruments, the rudra veena demands breath control, making it a unique blend of wind and string techniques. Known for its meditative depth and complexity, the instrument has few practitioners today, and Jyoti Hegde stands out not only for her mastery but also for breaking gender norms in the male-dominated field of Dhrupad music.

Hegde began learning music at a young age and trained in multiple instruments before dedicating herself fully to the rudra veena. Her performances are deeply rooted in the beenkar style, known for its slow, deliberate alap and intricate melodic exploration.

Through performances, teaching, and dedication, Jyoti Hegde is keeping the soul of the rudra veena alive - an instrument whose voice is now largely carried through hers alone.