Ajoy Chakraborty

Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty is a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and a leading exponent of the Patiala-Kasur gharana. Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, on December 25, 1952, he received his initial training from his father, Ajit Chakraborty. He went on to study under a series of distinguished gurus, including Pannalal Samanta, Kanaidas Bairagi, and Jnan Prakash Ghosh. His tutelage under Munawar Ali Khan, the son of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, was pivotal in shaping his command over the Patiala-Kasur style. He also absorbed influences from other traditions, learning from masters like Latafat Hussain Khan and even the Carnatic maestro M. Balamuralikrishna. A graduate of Rabindra Bharati University, he became the first scholar to join the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy in 1978, where he now serves as a senior guru.

Chakraborty's illustrious career is marked by performances at the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the Royal Albert Hall in London. His versatility is evident in his mastery over a wide range of genres, from the classical forms of khyal and thumri to lighter styles like bhajan, kirtan, and folk music. A notable highlight of his career was a collaborative performance with jazz musicians at Preservation Hall in New Orleans, which earned him honorary citizenship of the city. In addition to his performance career, he is a dedicated educator, having founded the Shrutinandan school of music to nurture the next generation of artists.

A recipient of India's highest civilian honors, Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2020 and the Padma Shri in 2011. His contributions to music have been recognized with numerous other accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1999-2000), the Kumar Gandharva National Award (1993), and the National Tansen Samman (2015). He continues to be a towering figure in the world of Indian classical music, revered for his profound artistry, emotive performances, and unwavering dedication to his craft.