Ajoy Chakrabarty

About

Indian classical vocalist, composer, lyricist, and guru known for his work in Hindustani classical along with songs and performances including "Garaj Garaj" from Bandish Bandits in 2020, "Aan Milo Sajna" from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha in 2001, "Janaki Nath Sahay Kare" from Ishwar Allah Tere Naam in 2006, "Ka Karoon Sajani," "Isaiyil Thodanguthamma" from Hey Ram in 2000, "Raga Jog - Khayal - Tintaal," and "Raga Durga."

Before fame

He studied music at Rabindra Bharati University and became the first scholar of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in 1978. He gained wider recognition through film and popular music in the 2000s. He began sharing videos and music on YouTube in 2013 and expanded onto Instagram in 2022.

Trivia

He has received major honors including the Kumar Gandharva Award in 1993, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1999-2000, the Padma Shri in 2011, the Tansen Samman in 2015, and the Padma Bhushan in 2020. He was named an honorary citizen of New Orleans after performing with jazz musicians at Preservation Hall.

Family life

His parents were Ajit Kumar Chakraborty and Mahamaya Devi. His father was his first guru. He married Chandana Chakraborty. His daughter Kaushiki Chakraborty is also a Hindustani classical vocalist, and his son Ananjan Chakraborty is a sound engineer.

Associated with

He performed "Vaishnava Janato" for the 2005 film Water which also featured music by AR Rahman.