Banerjee, Nikhil

Banerjee, Nikhil (1930-1989) was a sitar artist Born in Kolkata, Nikhil received his first music lessons from his father, Jitendranath Banerjee, a noted musician. Nikhil demonstrated his sitar skills fairly early, standing first in an all-Bengal sitar competition when he was only seven. He subsequently learned music from Birendra Kishore Roychowdhury, a zamindar of Gouripur in mymensingh. Later, he became the disciple of ustad alauddin khan.'

Nikhil gained fame as a musician all over Bengal and beyond. He played in Australia, Afghanistan, the former USSR, Europe, USA and UK. He taught music at the American Society for Eastern Arts Summer School, Berkeley, California, acquainting foreigners with Indian musical instruments. In 1968 the Indian government awarded him the title of 'Padmashri' for his achievement in music. [Mobarak Hossain Khan]