Gundecha Brothers honoured with Padma Shri

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Renowned dhrupad singers Ramakant and Umakant, popularly known as Gundecha Brothers, were Wednesday named to receive the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian honour, for their contribution to Indian classical music.

The Gundecha Brothers are known for expanding the Dhrupad repertoire by blending texts of Hindi poetry by Tulsidas, Kabir, Padmakar and Nirala with Dhrupad style.

The duo has also received the national award in best music direction category for "Raga of River Narmada" in 2006.

They have also popularised the Dhrupad style on the global platform by performing in international music festivals and institutions in about 25 countries including the US, Australia, Japan, Egypt, Singapore, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and various European countries.

Previously, musical duo and brothers Rajan-Sajan Mishra were honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2007.