Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty- Student’s Perspective
Vocalist Ranjana Ghatak and sitar and vocal artist Debipriya Sircar speak to Pulse about their experiences of learning under the master.
Vocalist Ranjana Ghatak has been quietly but steadily carving out a niche for herself on the music map of the UK. Her name has appeared on line-ups line-ups with musicians, poets and writers such as John Mclaughlin, Bert Jansch Tribute with James Yorkston and Jon Thorne, and Robert Macfarlane (Kendal Mountain Festival). As a teacher, her in-person and on-line classes and workshops are attracting a host of followers/students. Ranjana’s vocal training has been under Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty of Kolkata, the renowned vocal artist and teacher of raga music.
When did you first become a student of Pandit Ajoy Chakravarthy and how did
you make that decision?
I started learning with Guruji at the end of 2000. I had been learning Hindustani and devotional music from a young age in London. Thanks to my parents' support and love of music, they took me to hear Guruji several times when he came here on tour. On one visit I was at university, but my mother heard him talk about his school Shrutinandan in Kolkata. She approached him and asked if he would be open to teaching students from outside the UK, which he said yes to.
My mother suggested that I take some time off after university and go and study there for 3 months. So my mother and I had an adventure living in Kolkata for three months for my first visit to Shrutinandan.
How long did you stay in India to learn? Are you currently learning from him?
I stayed for 3 months for my first visit. As I was young and also unclear on which route to take at the time, I decided to get a full-time job back in the UK. So, I worked full time for 10 years and within that duration I would go for short trips and I would learn from Panditji when he came here on tour.
I attend some of his Raga specific masterclasses online, and I have also recently started some classes with his senior student Brajeshwar Mukherjee.
What was the best part of learning with Ajoyji?
It still feels like a dream to be honest! I never thought it would have been possible to learn from an artist like him, so it feels like a true blessing. One of the many things I’ve learnt and really value is his dedication and passion for both performing and teaching. It’s really rare to witness an artist of his stature to have developed so many students whilst also encouraging their own expression.
I also really love the support I have received from his other students and his own family. Even though I’m in London, I can reach out to some of the music family for support and guidance, so he has in many ways made a form of music that has been difficult to access in the past, very accessible.
4. What did you find difficult about learning from him?
I still get nervous, and I also find the distance challenging as there are some extended periods of time where I don’t get to learn with him in person.
5. What is your most significant take away?
Seeing music as life and a lifestyle, rather than something separate.
Also the importance of understanding the picture of a Raga and voice development. I’m also super grateful that I had a conversation with Ajoyji about my artistic expression about 10 years ago, he felt it was important for me to respond to my environment as that is the role of an artist, so I felt free to explore my sound with different instrumentation whilst also continuing to study and deepen my knowledge. So, a few!
Debipriya Sircar (née Das), a sitarist and vocalist from London, has been a disciple of Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty since 2003, training with him through workshops held in the UK. Her musical journey began at the age of four, learning from her mother Dipika Debi Das, and the late Pandit Manesh Chandra Kansara (sitar) and the late Sri Golak Mohan Choudhury (vocal). She later continued her sitar studies with the late Pandit Sanjay Guha. Debipriya’s continued training with Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty reflects the deep bond between guru and disciple and reflects his dedication to guiding and inspiring students across the global Indian classical music community.
When did you first become a student of Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarthy, and how did that happen?
As a university student, I was captivated by Pandit ji’s renditions, especially the semi-classical nuances in his Bengali Nazrul, Hindi bhajans, and modern songs. I’d listen endlessly to tapes and CDs, trying to mimic his vocal phrasing. When I heard about an upcoming workshop in London, I jumped at the chance to attend. That’s where I first met Dr. Indira Ghatak and her daughter Ranjana, now a dear friend who were hosting the event at their home.
How long did you stay in India to learn? Are you still learning from him?
Though I’ve visited Shrutinandan in Kolkata, I haven’t been able to stay and study in India due to work and family commitments. Most of my learning has happened through workshops in the UK and, more importantly, through just listening to him. Just being in Guruji’s presence, or hearing his music, offers a lifetime’s worth of lessons, if you are committed to consistent practice (which is the real challenge with our busy lives!).
What’s been the best part of learning from Ajoyji?
Guruji’s warmth and encouragement stand out. He breaks down complex ideas with clarity and makes learning joyful. His belief in me has been a constant source of motivation. What’s been the hardest part? Singing in front of him can be intimidating especially if I haven’t practiced enough! But he always meets you where you are, with honesty and kindness. Over the years, he’s seen me through many life stages, and he continues to support my connection with music (vocal and sitar), however I’m able to engage. Our bond feels deeply paternal.
What’s your biggest takeaway?
When your Guru believes in you, it opens something inside - you start to believe in yourself too. That encouragement keeps me going and keeps me striving to grow.
