Sitar maestro Niladri Kumar has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Sangeet Natak Academi Puraskar by the Ministry of Culture. This recognition stands as a significant milestone, acknowledging Kumar’s substantial contributions to the world of music and marking a high point in his distinguished career.
Starting his musical journey at a young age, Niladri Kumar made an early mark with an appearance on Doordarshan. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in musical tradition, as the son of acclaimed sitar maestro Kartick Kumar, a past recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academi Puraskar, Niladri Kumar has admirably carried forward his father’s legacy while crafting a distinctive musical path.
Expressing his gratitude for this honor, Niladri Kumar stated, “I am very grateful to the Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi for honoring my journey in music, and I sincerely seek blessings for the path I yet have to travel. My greatest reward is to witness my music touch the hearts of listeners from all over the world, across all these years.”
Niladri Kumar is recognized for seamlessly blending tradition with modern influences, maintaining roots in Indian classical music while actively engaging in contemporary collaborations. His versatility is evident in collaborations such as his participation in jazz-guitar legend John McLaughlin’s album “Floating Point.”
Notable partnerships with world music stalwarts, including tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and jazz-rock bass virtuoso Jonas Hellborg, showcase Kumar’s global impact. In addition, Niladri Kumar has made significant contributions to Bollywood music, contributing to hit songs like “Chup Ke” from “Bunty Aur Babli,” “Crazy Kiya Re” from “Dhoom 2,” and “Bheeegi Bheegi” from “Gangster.”
Niladri Kumar’s multifaceted approach to music, combining tradition with innovation, has garnered national acclaim and positioned him prominently on the global stage. He continues to be a source of pride for India, with his artistry resonating with audiences worldwide.
