His original style and his refusal to stay within the confines of the Gharana tradition of Hindustani music made him a controversial figure. The name Kumar Gandharva is a title given to him when he was a child prodigy; a Gandharva is a musical spirit in Hindu mythology Although no one has seriously questioned his dedication, understanding and intellectual and emotional depth, it remains true that he never reached the heights of general popularity that his contemporaries such as Bhimsen Joshi and Mallikarjun Mansur achieved.
He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and lost his one lung. He overcame this setback by developing an original style of singing, which relied on short, sharp bursts of music rather than the deep, sonorous, slow and long phrases that characterize Hindustani vocal music.
Kumarji's strongest point was his ability to place his own distinctive interpretation on anything that he sang, and a very wide range of ragas. He would have command over many complicated ragas which were difficult to perform in this case it is raag Malkauns.
He would not only perform Hindustani classical music but also on bhajans and folk songs. His concerts would often depend on the responses of the audience. He would wind up early if he found out that audience was dis-interested.
Raag malkauns is often known as raag malkush. It is one of the most oldest raga of the Indian classical music. Malkauns is a serious, meditative raga,and is mostly in the mand saptak and in vilambit laya. Komal Ni is graha swara, All five swaras can function as pausing notes. The best time for this raga is late night. The effect of the raga is soothing and intoxicating.
Notes of Raag Malkauns are:
Sa, Komal Ga, Shuddha Ma, Komal Dha, komal Ni.
At the start of the conmcert panditji uses alaap in vilambit laya to showcase his command