Sitar recital by nikhil banerjee biography

Musical artist

Pandit Nikhil Ranjan Banerjee (14 October 1931 – 27 January 1986) was an Indian classicalsitarist of the Maihar Gharana.

Nikhil banerjee daughter

" Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, one of India's greatest and most loved musicians, died at his home in Calcutta on Monday 27th January, following a heart attack.

Nikhil banerjee family

A former child prodigy who won the All-Bengal sitar competition at the age of nine, Banerjee grew up to earn international acclaim as a highly skilled musician.

Nikhil Ranjan Banerjee (or Bandopadhyaya) was born 14th October , one of nine children.

Along with Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan, he emerged as one of the leading exponents of the sitar. He was a recipient of the Indian civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan.^[1]

Training

In 1947, Banerjee met Allauddin Khan, who was to become his main guru along with his son, Ali Akbar Khan.

Both were sarod players. Banerjee went to Allauddin Khan's concerts and was desperate to have him as his teacher. Allauddin Khan did not want to take on more students, but changed his mind after listening to one of Banerjee's radio broadcasts.

Allauddin Khan was Banerjee's main teacher and after he left Maihar he also learnt from Ali Akbar Khan, the son of Allaudin Khan, for many years.^[2]

Ustad Allauddin Khan was passing on not only playing technique but the musical knowledge and approach of the Maiha