Kaushiki Chakraborty Desikan, born on 24 October 1980, is a renowned Indian classical vocalist from the Patiala gharana. Her music spans a wide range of classical forms, including Khyals, Dadras, Thumris, Bhajans, and more, and she is also trained in Carnatic classical music. She is the daughter of the esteemed Hindustani classical vocalist Ajoy Chakraborty, which has significantly influenced her musical upbringing. In 2005, she received the prestigious BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music in the Asia-Pacific category, further solidifying her position in the world of classical music.
Kaushiki began her musical journey at an early age and participated in prominent concerts, performing her first at the Dover Lane Music Conference when she was just 20. Her performances are known for their mature and rhythmically intricate swings, followed by unrestrained taans that span three and a half octaves. She has consistently been lauded for her mastery of the Patiala gharana and her ability to render Khyals with precision.
In addition to classical music, Kaushiki has occasionally ventured into contemporary forms of Indian pop music, showcasing her versatility. She has performed at various prestigious festivals, such as the ITC Sangeet Sammelan, Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Sangeet Mahotsav, and the Spring Festival of Music in California, and has been part of unique musical sessions at Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). For instance, in February 2011, she was part of a tribute concert for the legendary vocalist Kishori Amonkar, where she rendered the raga Todi.
Her career milestones also include a live performance in London in August 2003, which was later released as the record "Pure," with her father accompanying her on the harmonium. Kaushiki has been widely recognized as a "torchbearer of the Patiala tradition" for her remarkable musical performances, contributing significantly to the world of Indian classical music.
