Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar is one of the foremost sarod virtuosos in contemporary Hindustani classical music, celebrated for his passionate and versatile artistry. Born in 1961, Majumdar’s musical journey began in Kolkata under the guidance of his grandfather, Bibhuti Ranjan Majumdar. His foundation in Indian classical music was enriched by training in vocal music and tabla under Amaresh Chowdhury and Anil Palit, which imparted a nuanced understanding of rhythm and melody that would later distinguish his performances.
Majumdar’s mastery of the sarod is the result of eighteen years of rigorous discipleship under Ustad Bahadur Khan, followed by advanced training with Ajay Sinha Roy and the legendary Ali Akbar Khan. These formative years instilled in him a deep reverence for tradition, exceptional technical command, and a creative approach to musical interpretation.
With a career spanning decades, Pandit Majumdar is a regular feature at India’s most prestigious classical festivals and has performed internationally, enchanting audiences with his soulful renditions and dynamic jugalbandis. His collaborations with renowned musicians, such as sitar maestro Shujaat Khan, are highly revered, and his rendition of raag Charukeshi in duet format has been widely acclaimed for its emotive depth and technical brilliance.
In addition to live performances, Majumdar’s contribution as a music director is notable. He has scored music for Bengali films including Tollylights, directed by Arjun Chakraborty, and Hanankaal, directed by Saibal Mitra, broadening his creative influence beyond traditional concert platforms.
His accolades reflect both his artistic excellence and commitment to the classical tradition. Early recognition came with the All India Radio music competition’s first prize and the President’s Gold Medal in 1981, followed by the Pt. D. V. Paluskar award. Later, he was honoured with the ITC SRA Award (2017), the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2018), and in 2025, the Padma Shri—India’s fourth-highest civilian honour—for his outstanding contributions to the arts.
In February 2025, Pandit Majumdar was featured at the Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela’s Ganga Manch, Kalagram, performing alongside luminaries such as Tanmoy Bose, Pt. Akhilesh Gundecha, and Vidwan K. G. Prasad.
Beyond the stage and studio, Tejendra Majumdar is devoted to promoting classical music and inspiring the next generation of musicians and listeners. Living in Kolkata, he shares life with his wife, Manasi Majumdar, and son, Indrayudh, continuing a legacy of musical excellence and cultural enrichment.