Indian-Origin Chandrika Tandon Wins Grammy For Triveni Album

In a historic win for Indian classical and world music, Chandrika Tandon, the Indian-American musician, philanthropist, and business leader, secured her first-ever Grammy Award at the 67th Grammy Awards.

Her album, Triveni, claimed victory in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category, beating esteemed artists such as Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar.

Tandon, who collaborated with South African flutist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto on Triveni, expressed deep gratitude upon receiving the prestigious honor.

“The fact that we won this is really an extra special moment for us. The other nominees were phenomenal musicians, and we are humbled to share this stage,” she said in her acceptance speech.

This win marks a significant moment in Grammy history, highlighting the global appeal of Indian classical and spiritual music.

However, this is not her first Grammy recognition, she was previously nominated in 2011 for her album Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call in the Best Contemporary World Music Album category.

 

Who is Chandrika Tandon?

Chandrika Tandon is an Indian-American musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, celebrated for her achievements in music, finance, and education.

A Grammy-winning artist, she blends ancient Vedic chants with global musical influences, creating immersive, meditative experiences for audiences worldwide.

Beyond music, she has built a remarkable corporate career, becoming one of the first Indian-American female partners at McKinsey & Company before founding her financial advisory firm.

She is also a renowned philanthropist, supporting education, arts, and cultural preservation through her generous contributions.

 

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born in Chennai, India, into a family that valued music, education, and spirituality, Tandon was deeply influenced by Indian classical music and Vedic chanting from a young age.

She trained under masters like Shubhra Guha and Girish Wazalwar, mastering both Carnatic and Hindustani music traditions.

Despite her success in finance, music remained her true calling. Her passion for healing through sound led her to create spiritual and meditative music, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and modern global music.

 

A Sister to Indra Nooyi

Chandrika Tandon is the sister of Indra Nooyi, the former CEO and Chairperson of PepsiCo.

Both sisters have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields, significantly contributing to business, leadership, and the arts.

 

The Essence of Triveni – A Sacred Musical Confluence

Released on August 30, 2024, Triveni derives its name from the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in India.

Much like the confluence of these three rivers, the album is a fusion of distinct musical traditions, blending:

 

Ancient Vedic chants – Rooted in spiritual and meditative traditions

World music instrumentation – Featuring flute, cello, and global percussion

Contemporary ambient soundscapes – Designed to foster inner peace and introspection.

The album’s seven tracks, including Pathway to Light and Seeking Shakti, explore themes of spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and divine connection.

Triveni has been praised for its transformative power, resonating with listeners across cultures.

 

A Journey Rooted in Music and Spirituality

Born and raised in Chennai, India, Tandon’s early life was immersed in the rich traditions of Carnatic music and Vedic chants.

Her mother, a singer, played a crucial role in shaping her deep connection to music. Despite a successful corporate career, her passion for music remained steadfast.

Tandon trained under renowned classical vocalists Shubhra Guha and Girish Wazalwar, honing her skills in both Indian and Western musical traditions.

Her artistic vision has always sought to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern expression.

 

A Momentous Win for Indian Classical and Fusion Music

Tandon’s Grammy triumph is a landmark achievement for Indian representation in global music. It reaffirms that:

Traditional Indian music has universal appeal when blended with modern genres.

Spiritual and meditative music continues to gain recognition on global platforms.

Cultural fusion in music can create new dimensions of artistic expression.

As the Grammy Awards audience gave her a standing ovation, Tandon left the stage with a heartfelt message:

“Music is love, music is light, and music is laughter. Let’s all be surrounded by love, light, and laughter. Thank you for the music, and thank you to everyone who makes music.”

Her Grammy-winning album Triveni is not just an artistic triumph, it is a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire.

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