Biography

The reigning maestro of international repute of Kotali Gharana, Pandit Manas Chakraborty, is an outstanding luminary in the stardom of the musical-galaxy of India. Born in a highly traditional, illustrious family of Sanskritologists and musicians, he could have no better guru than his father Sangeetacharya Tarapada Chakraborty, the pioneer of this Kotali Gyaki. He has always been a devout pursuer of various sources of Indian Classical Music which were enriched by his keen interest in Indian Philosophical traditions of all the existing Gharanas and Gayakies. His musical phenomenon has attained new height which has gradually initiated a new dynamic of allegiance to the human efforts towards life. He sets his Khayal Gayaki in accordance with the character of Raga. Pandit Manas Chakraborty boldly makes the innovative moves of his style to achieve an integrated oneness of the eternal Indian ethos. His Thumris have created a landmark in the evolution of Hindustani-Music. The maestro is a versatile genius who has attained mastery of all languages of Khayal, Thumri and various other semi-classical styles of music such as Tappa, Bhajan, Ragpradhan etc. His recitals have earned an enviable distinction in various concerts, both at home and abroad. Talim, tabiat and taiari has given a new dimension to his unique style of rendition. The obscure reality of music is displayed in a tangibly graceful elocutionary form with his kalabant gayaki, nayaki and majestic mizaaj. His contribution towards the Hindustani Classical Music for the last fifty years is without a doubt worth-mentioning. His highly technical and eclectic approach although different from his father’s is finally merging with the philosophical essence of Kotali Gharana.