NILADRI KUMAR, the son and disciple of sitar master Pandit Kartick Kumar, is a maverick musician. He started learning the sitar at the tender age of four and gave his first public performance at the age of six. Hailed as one of the more serious young exponents of Indian classical music, Niladri’s unparalleled brilliance is a result of years of learning and a lineage of five generations of sitar players. This has led to a profound understanding of the artistic aspects and nuances of diverse gharana styles and a mastery of technical skill.

An orthodox among the traditional and optimistically fearless among the creative, Niladri is a rare instrumentalist with a unique musical repertoire, innovative skills, and the dexterity of swift, agile fingers. Whether at his Indian classical music recitals or his world music concerts, he can almost immediately mesmerize both orthodox and progressive music lovers; he has an uncanny ability to strike an instant rapport with the audience, transcending all age barriers. He strives to infuse interest and respect for Indian classical music in the younger generation.

In March 2007, Niladri won Sangeet Natak Akademi’s prestigious “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” for Instrumental Hindustani Music. He has also won a Sanskriti award, The Jadubhatta Puraskar, and an MTV Immie for “Best Classical/Fusion Instrumental Album” for his album If as well as earning valued titles like “Shanmukha Shree” and “Surmani”.

Having received rave reviews for his magnificent performances at concerts the world over and with his immense talent featured in 10 international music albums, Niladri is considered one of his generation’s brightest stars.