Ajoy Chakrabarty

Biography:

Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, born on December 25, 1953, in Kolkata, West Bengal, is an eminent figure in Hindustani classical music. A versatile artist, he is not only a distinguished classical vocalist but also excels as a composer, lyricist, and an exponent of the Patiala-Kasur gharana.

His musical journey began under the guidance of his father, Ajit Chakrabarty, and later expanded through training with revered maestros like Pannalal Samanta, Kanaidas Bairagi, and Jnan Prakash Ghosh. His dedication to the art led him to explore diverse styles, learning from stalwarts in both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions such as Latafat Hussain Khan, Nibruttibua Sarnaik, Hirabai Barodekar, and M. Balamuralikrishna.

Ajoy Chakrabarty’s musical prowess spans across various genres, from classical Khyal to lighter forms like Thumri, Tappa, Bhajan, Kirtan, Folk, and modern songs in multiple languages. His rich musical expression and repertoire have earned him accolades and awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kumar Gandharva National Award, and many more.

As a performer, he has graced numerous esteemed venues globally, including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Theatre de la Ville, captivating audiences with his soulful renditions. His international performances in Pakistan, China, the US, the UK, and Canada have further solidified his stature as a revered exponent of Indian classical music.

Driven by the vision of his Guru Jnan Prakash Ghosh, Chakrabarty founded Shrutinandan, a school of music, to nurture and impart musical knowledge to aspiring talents. Alongside his illustrious career, he remains committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians.