“Pankh Live” is the concert edition of Kaushiki Chakraborty’s album, envisioned as a soul stirring live experience that brings the music to life on stage.
"Pankh" is a deeply personal and evocative musical journey that chronicles her evolution as an artist. The title itself, "Pankh" (wings), serves as a powerful metaphor for her growth and artistic liberation.
It takes listeners through the different stages of her musical life, starting from the foundational influences of her childhood to the full bloom of her present artistic expression.
This original contemporary soundscape, presented through “Pankh Live” unveils the many dimensions of Kaushiki’s musical identity, introducing her as a composer and singer-songwriter for the very first time. It invites listeners to witness her transformation from a young aspirant diligently absorbing musical traditions within her cocoon of influence, to a confident and innovative artist who has found her own distinct voice and is now soaring with her own wings, a beautiful and fully formed butterfly of the musical world!
Shantanu Moitra - Renowned Musician, Composer and Explorer
Shantanu Moitra's journey from a client-serving executive at an ad agency to a renowned composer, musician, playback singer, and pianist is a testament to his diverse talents and passion for music. Early in his career, Moitra began composing jingles, which laid the groundwork for his musical prowess. His work in this arena eventually led him to create memorable music for indi-pop albums such as "Ab ke Saawan," "Man ke Manheere," and "Sapna Dekha Hai Maine" for Subha Mudgal.
Moitra made his film debut with "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi," but it was his work on the 2005 blockbuster "Parineeta" that truly established him as a prominent figure in the Indian music industry. Since then, he has composed noteworthy soundtracks for films like "Lage Raho Munnabhai," "3 Idiots," "Raajneeti," "PK," "Wazir," "Pink," and the recent hit "Gulabo Sitabo" as well as the critically acclaimed film “Sardar Udham.” In addition to his impressive discography, Shantanu Moitra has also showcased his talent through live performances with concerts, such as “100 Days in Himalayas” and “Chandrayan; also performed at an event by WWF on World Waters Day where he shared his 2700km journey across Ganga. He has also authored Ferrari Mon- Memories by Shantanu Moitra.
Kaushiki Chakraborty - A Multifaceted Talent in the World of Music
Kaushiki Chakraborty, born in 1980 in Kolkata, is a singer, composer, producer and educator, showcasing her diverse skill set through her contributions to various musical genres. Growing up in a family steeped in musical heritage—her father, Chandan Chakraborty, and mother, the renowned Indian classical singer Ajoy Chakraborty—Kaushiki was immersed in the art from an early age.
Her formal journey began at the tender age of seven when she enrolled at the Academy of Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh to study Indian classical music. This foundational training laid the groundwork for her illustrious career. Later on, she joined the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy, where she honed her skills further. In addition to classical music, Kaushiki expanded her repertoire by studying Carnatic music from South India and contemporary Indian pop music alongside Patiala gharana styles. Throughout her career, Kaushiki has received numerous accolades that highlight her exceptional talent and dedication to music. Notable awards include the Jadu Bhatta Award in 1995 for outstanding performance as well as being recognized as an Outstanding Young Person in 2000. Her remarkable achievements continued with a BBC Award in 2005, affirming her status as one of India's leading musical figures.
As co-founder of Blue Dot Music, Kaushiki continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists while promoting diverse musical expressions within India and beyond.
Songs of the River Ganga- Where it All Began
In his ambitious project "Songs of River Ganga," composer Shantanu Moitra set off on a remarkable 3,000-kilometer cycling journey along the banks of one of India's most revered rivers. This unique expedition showcases the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage surrounding the Ganga and also serves as a backdrop for his innovative album, which consists of six captivating episodes. Throughout this journey, Moitra captures unforgettable sights and a diverse spectrum of sounds that inspire each track. From the lush apple orchards in Harshil to the aromatic perfume factory in Kannauj, every location contributes its own essence to the music. The album takes listeners on an auditory voyage from the historic ghats of Varanasi to the poignant ruins of Rabindranath Tagore's house in Munger and further to Jiagang, where Baluchari silk weavers continue their age-old craft.
Many renowned composers, singers, and songwriters lent their talent to this project. Notable artists such as Mohit Chauhan, Maati Baania, Taba Chake, Bombay Jayashri, Sid Sriram, Kaushiki Chakraborty, and Ambi Subramaniam accompany him on this musical odyssey. It was during the shoot of the song Bhagirathi with Kaushiki from the album, when the concept of Pankh came to Shantanu where they decided to capture the stories of the land through the lens of water.
