About Suvendu
I represent the Gaya Gharana — a pioneering lineage that has shaped the art of solo harmonium playing in India. A graded artist of Prasar Bharati (All India Radio) and empanelled with ICCR (Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India), I began my musical journey at the age of 7 under the loving guidance of my grandfather and guru, Pandit Deb Kumar Banerjee.A trailblazing harmonium virtuoso, Pandit Deb Kumar Banerjee brought a unique gayaki ang — the vocal-inspired style — to harmonium playing, giving solo performances a new lyrical depth and emotive power.My musical roots run even deeper through my ancestor and dadaguru, Sangeetacharya Montu Banerjee, a legendary name in the evolution of harmonium as a solo instrument in Indian classical music.I have also had the privilege of learning from Pandit Shyamal Chatterjee, the distinguished sitar maestro of the Senia-Maihar Gharana and the seniormost disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar.
My musical journey was forged through years of disciplined Talim (training) and relentless Reyaaz (practice) under the watchful and uncompromising guidance of my grandfather and guru, Pandit Deb Kumar Banerjee.To deepen my understanding of rhythm, I began by learning Tabla from legends such as Ustad Sabir Khan, Pandit Shankar Ghosh, and Pandit Bickram Ghosh — a foundation that continues to shape my approach to the harmonium even today. I also received vocal training from the esteemed Pandit Kumar Prasad Mukherjee, further refining my sense of melody and sur. Since childhood, I’ve had the rare privilege of meeting and receiving blessings from towering icons of Indian classical music — including Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, and many others whose presence has been both inspiring and humbling.
Since childhood, I have been deeply fortunate to share a close bond with the legendary Padma Bhushan Shri Manna Dey — a connection that has been both inspiring and formative in my musical journey. Another memorable milestone was an invitation from the iconic Bollywood composer duo Kalyanji-Anandji, who brought me to Mumbai to perform under their celebrated banner, "The Small Wonders" — a cherished experience that broadened my early exposure to the stage and the world of music beyond classical boundaries.
In addition to my musical pursuits, I hold an MSc in Advanced Computer Science from the University of Manchester (2010–2011). Yet, my true calling has always been the harmonium and the rich legacy of the Gaya Gharana. With a deep sense of purpose, I am committed to bringing my Gharana, my instrument — the Harmonium, and myself to the global stage of Indian Classical Music. My vision is to touch the hearts of millions across the world and to elevate the harmonium as a powerful and expressive solo instrument — claiming its rightful place in the pantheon of classical performance.
“Music has such tremendous power over the human mind; it brings it to concentration in a moment” ~ Swami Vivekananda
