Childhood companions who discovered their shared destiny in the corridors of a music school in Ahmedabad. What began as playful jam sessions became a lifelong musical conversation.
Dr. Shyamal Munshi is truly a distinct personality in the field of Gujarati music. In addition to being a trained singer and an accomplished composer, he is a celebrated poet. His inclination towards humour has made him very expressive in what is called in Gujarati ‘Hasya Kavita’. Shyamal Munshi chose medicine as his academic field and is a well-known plastic surgeon and has marvelled in the field of medicine too. His contributions in the field of cosmetology has helped his innumerable patients. But love for music is an inextinguishable aspect of Dr. Shyamal Munshi. He balances his time between being a surgeon and composing & singing his music. The Govt. of Gujarat has bestowed on him the very prestigious ‘Gujarat Gaurav Puraskaar’.
A thinker and voracious reader, Saumil Munshi’s understanding of Gujarati poetry and literature has guided his compositions, singing and music. Saumil Munshi has been able to strike the right balance between the poetry and expression through his compositions. Even as a singer, he emotes his songs with his rich baritone to cast his spell over the listeners. Appreciating his accomplishment both as a singer and a composer, he has been awarded the prestigious ‘Gujarat Gaurav Puraskaar’ by the Govt. of Gujarat. The Munshi trio stands distinct on a high pedestal aided and abided by their inherent knowledge of music and everything attached with to it. They have been lavished by blessings from the elders of the field, whereas the contemporaries have high regards for them. They have, in true sense, carved out a special place in the hearts and minds of Gujarati music lovers and admirers across the globe.
Aarti takes pride in being guided by the stalwarts of this field from a very early age of her life. Blessed with memory extraordinaire, she has been able to keep alive several valuable compositions of early times, which could otherwise have been forgotten. Owing to her passion for music, she chose music as her subject of academics. In her capacity as a music teacher, she imparts the right training of music to her innumerable students. She has received rare commendation for her versatility in singing all forms of Gujarati music with flawless perfection in both pronunciations and the emotive aspect of singing. She has been awarded ‘The Best Female Playback Singer’ by the Govt. of Gujarat and has been included in the list of the 50 most influential women by the leading newspaper Divya Bhaskar.
“We didn’t choose music. Music chose us when we were children playing together in the same place, dreaming the same dreams, and now singing with one voice.”
There was a family connection between Shyamal-Saumil and Aarti, as they were distantly related. Shyamal, Saumil and Aarti shared a deep passion for music, which led to frequent interactions and performances together. During their school years, they regularly participated in music competitions. Aarti would usually accompany the group, and although they travelled together, Shyamal and Aarti often found themselves competing against each other in various school competitions.
Music gradually became the medium that connected all three individuals. All three came from academic backgrounds in the science stream — Aarti studied Microbiology, Shyamal pursued MBBS, and Saumil completed a B.Sc. in Chemistry. Initially, none of them had planned to build a career in music. However, after Aarti married Saumil, inquiries for musical performances began to increase steadily. This opened opportunities for the trio to perform at various venues, and over time, music evolved into both their passion and their identity.
Their Story in Brief
A family bond, shared participation in school and other music competitions — where Aarti and Shyamal were often competitors — and their mutual love for music became the foundation that connected all three individuals together.
Creating a unique musical experience for listeners by flowing from words into melody, and by blending the beauty of lyrics and music in perfect harmony — this defines their musical philosophy.
To carefully unveil the depth and meaning of poetry by carrying its words in the gentle embrace of melody, while offering audiences an emotionally enriching and entertaining experience.
To create and present performances that inspire a deep sense of pride and appreciation for the Gujarati language and culture among people.
A deep respect for legendary senior artists of the past, equal admiration for contemporary fellow musicians performing alongside Shyamal–Soumil, and a heartfelt welcome to emerging young talents.
“Swarsetu” was created to bridge the past and the future of Gujarati music — honouring tradition while embracing innovation and experimentation.
“Music for All, Forever” — To entertain and connect people through creativity expressed in the Gujarati language and music.