A fine exponent of the Gwalior style, Shashwati`s musical dexterity marks a refined eclecticism that has lent her an individualistic style at a fairly young age. Born into a family devoted to music, Shashwati showed rare sensitivity towards it from early childhood. Grand-daughter of late Pandit Balabhau Umdekar, the erudite exponent of the Gwalior style of classical Hindustani music and a court musician of the Gwalior state. Shashwati, initially trained under her mother late Smt Kamal Mandal. Later, from 1987-1992 she received the national scholarship from the dept. of culture, Govt of India, for learning `Tappa` and `Khayal` from the veteran musician Pandit Balasaheb Poonchwale. A foremost disciple of Balasaheb, Shashwati has acquired under his tutelage, an able hold on the subtle complexity of `Tappa`. She also continued to be inspired by her mother whose steady guidance has groomed her into an accomplished performer. Presently she is taking guidance from the `Gundecha Brothers`.

Shashwati is an `A` graded artist of AIR and Doordarshan. Her performances at several platforms and festivals have received high acclaim. Some of her notable performances include those at the Sawai Gandharv festival Pune, Tansen Sangeet Samaroh Gwalior, Habba Festival Bangalore, Samrat Sangeet Sammelan Goa, etc.

Shashwati has been nominated to the top ten of the `World Songlines music awards` 2009 by Songlines magazine in the category `Best newcomer and best artist`, for her album `Tappa Journey` released by Sense World Music in U. K. She has also bagged the `Top of the World` five star review status by Songlines magazine U. K.

She has held a first class academic record throughout her education. Shashwati has two audio cds released to her credit by Alurkar music, Pune and Sense World, U. K. She has been awarded the title `Surmani` by Sur Singar Samsad Mumbai. Shashwati has also conducted workshops with her Guru late Pandit Balasaheb and later individually in different parts of the country.

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