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 Pt. Balabhau Umdekar, the crudité 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 'Khyal' the veteran musician Pt. Balasaheb Poonchwale. 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 groomed her into an accomplished performer. She had taken guidance from Vidushi Pumima chowdhary (Kolkata) and Pt. Madhup Mudgal under prestigious Mani Mann Fellowship. She is an 'A' Grade Artist of music on AIR and in 1997 and 2003 was rated very highly by Directorate of AIR. Shashwati is an empanelled artist of the ICCR.