A dedicated and talented musician, Aritra Chakraborty has carved out a distinguished career in the world of Indian classical music. His career is marked by significant achievements, including his first emotionally powerful performance that brought his mother to tears, teaching at the very academy where he once studied, and playing a pivotal role in the creation of the Academy of Classical and Folk Arts at IIT Kharagpur. Aritra emphasises the need for continuous learning and dedication.

Aritra Chakraborty is a talented vocalist, musician, and dedicated teacher whose deep love for music has shaped every aspect of his life. Specialising in Indian classical music, Aritra has also embraced and taught various other genres, reflecting his diverse musical abilities and passion for the art.

Hailing from the culturally rich city of Kolkata, Chakraborty’s journey into the world of music began at an early age. He completed his schooling at Ram Mohan Mission High School and Calcutta Public School, institutions that were known for their strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, especially in the arts. This environment provided Aritra with significant exposure to music, allowing him to cultivate his talents from a young age.

Chakraborty’s musical journey is deeply rooted in his family. He shares that his mother was an ardent follower of music, and his maternal uncle was a professional musician, which made music a natural part of his life. It seems that the love for music flowed through his veins. At the tender age of four, Aritra began his formal music training under the guidance of his guru, Ustad Ghulam Akbar Khan. This early start laid a strong foundation for his musical career. Just two years later, he joined Shrutinandan, Kolkata’s largest Indian classical music academy, where he continued to hone his skills and expand his knowledge. His commitment to music led him to join the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy in 2014, a place where his talents were further nurtured and refined.

When reflecting on his role models, Aritra Chakraborty speaks with great admiration for both his personal and professional inspirations. Being an avid cricket fan, he draws motivation from the discipline and dedication of sports legends like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. Their perseverance and commitment to excellence in their field resonate with Aritra’s journey in music. He also holds his mother in the highest regard, considering her a role model for the unwavering support and guidance she has provided throughout his life. Her belief in his abilities and her encouragement have been instrumental in his success. Additionally, Aritra deeply respects and draws inspiration from his mentors and gurus, Ajay Chakraborty and Brajeshwar Mukherjee. Their teachings and mentorship have profoundly influenced his approach to music, and he continues to look up to them as guiding lights in his musical journey.

Aritra Chakraborty is candid about the struggles he faces as an artist. He believes that each day presents a new challenge, a constant push to improve and surpass his previous self. One of the most significant challenges he faced was the decision to pursue music as a career. This choice meant setting aside a more conventional path of studies and potential financial stability to follow his passion. It was a bold and difficult decision, one that required immense courage and conviction. Moreover, Aritra acknowledges the challenges posed by the evolving music industry. With the rise of various music genres in recent years, Indian classical music, his area of expertise, is increasingly being overshadowed. This shift presents both a professional and cultural challenge, as maintaining the relevance and appreciation of classical music becomes more difficult.

As a teacher, Aritra Chakraborty also encounters the challenge of imparting the complexities of Indian classical music, particularly Ragas, to young students. Teaching these intricate musical forms to children requires not only deep knowledge and skill but also immense patience and creativity. It is a responsibility that Aritra takes seriously, as he strives to pass on the rich traditions of Indian classical music to the next generation, despite the obstacles that come with it.

Aritra Chakraborty reflects on the moments of success that have marked his journey in the world of Indian classical music. Among these achievements, there is one that stands out not only for its professional significance but also for the deep emotional impact it had on him and his family. Aritra shares that his very first performance in Indian classical music was a profoundly moving experience for his mother. As someone who had always been a passionate supporter of his musical endeavors, seeing his dream realized brought tears of joy to her eyes. For Aritra, this was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal victory, as he was able to fulfil a cherished dream for the person who had been his greatest inspiration and supporter throughout his life.

This moment of triumph was just the beginning of a series of notable accomplishments in Aritra's career. Another significant achievement that he holds dear is the opportunity he was given to teach music at the same academy where he himself had trained for twelve years. For Aritra, returning to Shrutinandan as an instructor was more than just a professional milestone; it was a full-circle moment that underscored the respect and trust his mentors and the institution had in his abilities. Teaching at the place where he once learnt the intricacies of music brought with it a sense of pride and accomplishment, reinforcing his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Adding to his list of accomplishments, Aritra was also involved in a prestigious collaboration between IIT Kharagpur and Shrutinandan. This collaboration led to the creation of a new musical wing known as the ‘Academy of Classical and Folk Arts.’ In a remarkable recognition of his expertise and contributions to the field, Aritra was entrusted with the responsibility of designing the course curriculum for this new academy. This task was a significant undertaking, as it required him to draw on his extensive knowledge and experience to create a curriculum that would effectively teach and preserve the rich traditions of classical and folk music. His involvement did not end there; he was also invited to participate in the online inauguration of the academy and was honoured with the opportunity to teach there. This experience was a testament to his growing influence in the world of Indian classical music and his commitment to spreading its beauty to a wider audience.

Chakraborty’s thoughts on the interplay between education and experience further illuminate his approach to his career. He firmly believes that education and experience are two integral components of professional growth, each complementing the other. In his view, education provides the foundation upon which a successful career is built, while experience is what shapes and refines that foundation over time. He emphasises that after a certain point, experience becomes the most valuable asset in one’s career, as it equips individuals with the practical knowledge and insights needed to navigate the complexities of their chosen field. For Aritra, every experience is a form of education, offering lessons that help him grow both as a musician and as a person.

Outside of his professional life, Aritra Chakraborty enjoys engaging in activities that bring him joy and relaxation. One of his favourite pastimes is travelling, particularly going on long drives and road trips. He finds a sense of freedom and adventure in driving, and it serves as a perfect counterbalance to the disciplined and focused nature of his musical career. Additionally, Aritra has a deep love for cricket, a sport that has always been close to his heart. Playing cricket allows him to unwind and stay physically active, further enriching his life outside of music.

With the wisdom he has gained over the years, Aritra Chakraborty shares invaluable advice for the new generation of musicians, who are eager to carve out their paths in the world of music. Aritra firmly believes that the current time presents a unique opportunity for emerging artists to make their mark. He observes that the world is in a state of emotional and mental upheaval, which has created a vacuum that music can fill. In such a landscape, he sees an opportunity for musicians to offer comfort, solace, and inspiration, thereby establishing their place in the industry. Aritra encourages young talents to seize this moment, as the need for music and the arts is perhaps greater now than it has been in recent times.

Aritra Chakraborty also touches on the aspirations that drive today's generation—desires for name, fame, and recognition. He acknowledges that the music industry has the potential to fulfil these dreams, offering a platform for individuals to achieve the success and acclaim they seek. However, he cautions that the journey to such success is not an easy one, and it requires more than just a passion for music. Aritra draws a clear distinction between merely having an interest in music and pursuing it with the intent of mastering the craft. He emphasises that the latter requires a deep commitment to learning, practice, and continuous improvement.

For aspiring musicians, Chakraborty offers a key piece of advice: the importance of having a good mentor. He stresses that finding a mentor who can guide you, provide constructive feedback, and help you navigate the complexities of the music world is essential to achieving long-term success. A mentor's role is not just to teach the technical aspects of music but also to instill discipline, encourage creativity, and help build the resilience needed to thrive in a competitive industry.

Aritra also highlights the misconception that a few performances are enough to secure a lasting career in music. He explains that while a strong start is important, what truly matters is the ability to sustain oneself through continuous effort and learning. The music industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, and those who wish to remain relevant must be willing to adapt and grow along with it. Aritra advises young musicians to view each day as an opportunity to learn something new, to refine their skills, and to push the boundaries of their creativity. It is this relentless pursuit of excellence, he believes, that will ensure their longevity and success in the field.

As he wraps up his thoughts, Aritra Chakraborty reflects on the journey ahead for aspiring musicians. He acknowledges that the path may be challenging, filled with both highs and lows. However, he also reassures them that with dedication, the right guidance, and a commitment to continuous learning, they can achieve not just the fame they desire but also a deep sense of fulfilment from knowing that their music has made a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Aritra Chakraborty’s story is not just one of personal success but a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His journey from a young boy in Kolkata with a love for music to a respected musician and teacher is an inspiration to all who hear it.

He leaves us with a powerful message: the pursuit of music is not just about achieving success but about growing, learning, and sharing your gift with the world. As he continues to teach and inspire the next generation of musicians, Aritra Chakraborty remains a shining example of what it means to live a life dedicated to the arts.