Chandrika Tandon Wins Grammy for ‘Triveni’ – A Fusion of Ancient Chants & World Music

Indian-American entrepreneur and musician Chandrika Tandon won a Grammy Award at the 67th Grammy Awards for her album ‘Triveni’. The album, which beautifully merges ancient Vedic chants with world music, secured the award in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category. The 71-year-old artist describes ‘Triveni’ as a meditative journey for inner healing.

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Chandrika Tandon 's Unique Musical Collaboration

For this special album, Tandon collaborated with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. The album's name, ‘Triveni’, represents the meeting of three rivers and also symbolizes the blend of three distinct musical styles. While accepting the award in Los Angeles, Tandon shared her belief in the power of music, saying,
"Music is love. It lights up our hearts and spreads joy, even in the darkest times."

A Journey from Chennai to Global Recognition

Born and raised in a traditional middle-class family in Chennai, Tandon was always surrounded by music. She and her younger sister, Indra Nooyi, were brought up in a household deeply connected to Vedic chants and Carnatic music. Their family followed the teachings of the Samaveda, which influenced Tandon’s musical journey.

Success Beyond Music – A Leader in Business & Philanthropy

While her sister Indra Nooyi made history as the CEO of PepsiCo, Tandon carved her own path in the business world. She became the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey and later established Tandon Capital Associates, a firm dedicated to business restructuring.

A graduate of IIM Ahmedabad, Tandon is also a generous philanthropist. In 2015, she and her husband, Ranjan Tandon, donated $100 million to the New York School of Engineering, which now carries their name in recognition of their contribution.

A Grammy Journey That Began in 2010

Tandon’s passion for music led her to train under classical singer Shubhra Guha and vocalist Girish Wazalwar. She first received a Grammy nomination in 2010 for her spiritual album ‘Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call’.

This year, she was nominated alongside Indian artists Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and British-Indian singer Radhika Vekaria. Although Anoushka Shankar has been nominated 11 times, she missed out on a win this year. Meanwhile, her half-sister Norah Jones, daughter of Pt. Ravi Shankar, won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her latest release, ‘Visions’.

Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy win highlights her exceptional talent and dedication to both music and philanthropy. Her album ‘Triveni’ is not just music but a spiritual experience that connects listeners to inner peace. With this achievement, she continues to inspire both the music and business world.

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