Late Pt. Dinkar Kaikini, the veteran Hindustani classical vocalist was amongst the most learned exponents of khayal gayaki, He represented the assimilated musical learning of the Gwalior and Agra gharanas, having trained under stalwarts like Omkarnath Thakur, S N Ratanjankar and S C R Bhatt. He was prolific composer, having composed hundreds of compositions in styles like khayal, dhrupad, dhamar, thumri and bhajan, as well as several new ragas. An introspective musician, he communed with his music while performing. "Music is for 'atmaranjan' (engage one's own soul) and not for 'lokranjan'(entertainment)," he would often say. Shri Nishad Bakre learned under his tutelage. He is one of the biggest inspirations for everyone at Suranjan.