Born in an agricultural family in Jalgaon village in present-day Jalna district, Maharashtra (then in Bombay Presidency in British India), Jalgaonkar was adopted when he was two years old.
Secondary schooling was imparted in Urdu in Jalna at that time, which his adopted father disapproved of, so he discontinued Jalgaonkar's education.
Apart from Varma, he accompanied several prominent Hindustani classical singers some of whom include Aamir Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal, Hirabai Barodekar, Jasraj, Kishori Amonkar, Kumar Gandharva,[2] Mukul Shivputra,[4] Roshan Ara Begum, and Vasantrao Deshpande.
[2] Tabla artistes whom he accompanied include Ahmed Jan Thirakwa, Alla Rakha, Kishan Maharaj,[2] Ravindra Yavagal,[5] Samta Prasad, and Zakir Hussain.
[1] Jalgaonkar's command over laya (tempo) and tala (rhythmic clapping or tapping one's hand on one's arm to measure musical time)[6][7] was often praised by his peers during mehfils (venues for recreational activities including singing and dancing).
[3] Sitar artiste Ravi Shankar said "[Jalgaonkar] gives the most melodious and graceful harmonium recitals.