Tarun Bhattacharya

Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, a disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, is a pioneering figure in the world of Indian classical music. His musical journey began under the tutelage of his father, Rabi Bhattacharya, followed by training from Pandit Dulal Roy. He is the only santoor maestro of the Maihar gharana, a lineage known for its rich and complex musical traditions. Bhattacharya has revolutionized the santoor, a 100-stringed hammered dulcimer, by inventing 'mankas' (fine tuners) for precise tuning and developing innovative playing techniques that allow for the performance of intricate musical patterns like 'Krintans,' 'Ekharatans,' and 'Boltans.'

Throughout his illustrious career, Pandit Bhattacharya has graced prestigious stages across the globe, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Palace-de-beaux in Brussels, and the Kremlin in Moscow. His extensive discography boasts over 150 releases, with his album 'Kirwani' earning a place among the top 10 in the world. He has also engaged in memorable collaborations with other renowned artists, such as Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Ronu Majumdar, further enriching the landscape of Indian classical music.

A recipient of numerous accolades, Pandit Bhattacharya was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2018, one of India's highest recognitions for artists. His other notable awards include a pre-Grammy nomination in 1997, the 'Excellence in World Music' award in the USA, and the Sangeet Mahasamman from the Government of West Bengal. Beyond his performance career, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians at his Santoor Ashram in Kolkata, offering free training to aspiring students.