2 November 2024/

CELEBRATING THE VERSATILE VOCALIST: PADMAJA CHAKRABORTY

A MAESTRO OF HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL AND BENGALI MUSIC

Renowned musician Padmaja Chakraborty stands out as a distinguished vocal musician from India, celebrated for her mastery across various forms of vocal music. Her exceptional talent spans pure Hindustani Classical, Semi-classical genres such as Thumri, Tappa, Chaitee, Jhoola and Hori as well as devotional Bhajans.

In addition to her prowess in Hindustani music, Padmaja excels in Bengali music forms, including Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Folk, Kirtan and Aadhunik. Her deep understanding of different Ragas and her remarkable Tān Sargam are the results of decades of rigorous training in the Guru-Shishya tradition and dedicated Riyaz.

A JOURNEY OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

Padmaja Chakraborty’s performances have garnered widespread acclaim from audiences, critics and experts alike. Her renditions of Thumris and Chaitees, enriched by her unique style and the age-old techniques imparted by her Guru, the legendary musician Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi of the Banaras Gharana, offer listeners an exquisite auditory experience. She has also mastered the intricacies of various Ragas under the guidance of Pandit Samaresh Chawdhury of the Rampur-Senia Gharana, a direct disciple of the world-renowned Sitar maestro, Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Introduced to the world of music by her father, Shri Nani Gopal Goswami, Padmaja’s journey has been shaped by esteemed Gurus like Pandit Dinanath Mishra of the Banaras Gharana and Padmashree Vidushi Sumitra Guha of the Kirana Gharana. She graduated with top honors in vocal music from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. A Graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, Padmaja Chakraborty is also an empanelled artist with the ICCR in Hindustani Classical, Light Music (Thumri) and Bhajan.

A CELEBRATED PERFORMER AND EDUCATOR

Padmaja Chakraborty has delivered numerous performances in Hindustani Classical, Thumri and Bhajan across India and overseas. Her notable live performances include solo concerts at prestigious events such as Pushpajali by UP SNA, Thumri Festival in New Delhi, Bhav Festival at Shree Shree Ravi Shankar Centre in Bangalore and many more. She has also performed at international platforms like Shadaj Pancham in Tangail, Bangladesh.

In addition to her performance career, Padmaja Chakraborty is dedicated to teaching music through the Guru-Shishya Parampara. She serves as a visiting faculty member at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, and as an external examiner for Delhi University. She is associated with SPIC MACAY and has taught at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra in New Delhi. She has judged numerous music competitions and serves as a committee member at Kendriya Vidyalaya, JNU (Delhi).

Padmaja Chakraborty’s contributions to music have been recognized with several awards, including the UP Sangeet Natak Academy Matri Shakti Samman 2021, Bharat Sanchar Samman 2020, and Sangeet Shiromani Award 2023.

Her critically acclaimed album “Radha,” released by T-Series in 2022, further showcases her exceptional talent and dedication to the art of music.

Padmaja Chakraborty’s dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Indian classical music.

Padmaja Chakraborty’s performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring the timeless traditions of Hindustani Classical Music thrive for future generations.