Kaushiki Chakraborty

Based in Kolkata 

Kaushiki Chakraborty is one of the leading voices in Hindustani classical music today, known for her command over khayal, thumri, dadra, and devotional forms like bhajans. Trained in the Patiala gharana, a style of Hindustani music, she combines strong classical foundations with a contemporary approach to reach wider audiences. She is also the founder of initiatives like Music & Us, a digital platform that blends the traditional guru-shishya learning style with modern technology to make classical music more accessible.

Born into a musical family, Kaushiki is the daughter of Ajoy Chakraborty, a Padma Bhushan awardee, and Chandana Chakraborty. She was introduced to classical music at a very young age, showed interest by the age of two, and travelled with her father on international tours early on.

Her formal training began at age ten under the guidance of Jnan Prakash Ghosh’s lineage. She later trained at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, graduating in 2004, while continuing rigorous grooming under her father at Shrutinandan, Kolkata. Expanding her repertoire, she also trained in Carnatic music under M. Balamuralikrishna from 2002.

Kaushiki has built a distinguished career through acclaimed live performances across major festivals in India and globally. Her albums and concerts reflect both classical depth and innovative collaborations, including cross-genre projects and ensemble work. She is also known for her all-women classical ensemble Sakhi, which reinterprets traditional forms through a contemporary lens.

She has received several major honours, including the BBC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music (2005) and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi (2010). She was also awarded the Aditya Birla Kalakiran Puraskar (2013).

Social Media Handle: 

Instagram: @kaushiki_sings