Ustad Nikhil Banerjee was an eminent Indian classical musician, celebrated for his virtuosity on the sitar. Born on October 14, 1931, in Kolkata, India, Banerjee was under the tutelage of several masters, including the legendary Ustad Allauddin Khan, and later his son Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, which helped shape his unique and soulful playing style. Deeply rooted in the Maihar gharana, a musical tradition known for its blend of emotive and technical brilliance, Banerjee's music transcended the boundaries of his discipline to appeal to a diverse audience worldwide.

Throughout his career, Banerjee was known for his profound understanding of Indian raga music and his ability to interpolate intricate patterns within the traditional structures. His discography is a testament to his skill and dedication to his art, with recordings like "Sitar Recital - Ustad Nikhil Banerjee," "Madras 1964," and "Morning Ragas, Bombay 1965" showcasing performances that are both technically precise and emotionally resonant. His live recordings, such as "Shree Rag: Live, Munich 1976," are particularly revered, encapsulating the spontaneous and spiritual nature of his concerts. Nikhil Banerjee's influence continues to resonate within the world of Indian classical music, and his recordings are cherished by aficionados as masterclasses in the expressive potential of the sitar. He passed away on January 27, 1986, but left behind a rich legacy that inspires both listeners and aspiring musicians to this day.

Genres

Hindustani Classical

Indian Classical

Sitar

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Ravi Shankar

Ali Akbar Khan

Anoushka Shankar

Hariprasad Chaurasia

Vilayat Khan

Vishwa Mohan Bhatt

Debashish Bhattacharya

Vishal Bhardwaj

Bhimsen Joshi

Shahid Parvez

Zakir Hussain

Shivkumar Sharma

Latest Release

Raga Malkauns ( On Sitar )

Nikhil Banerjee

Single - Released October 4, 2024