Chandrika Tandon, the 71-year-old Indian-American vocalist, recently made headlines by winning her first Grammy Award for her album Triveni, celebrated at the 67th Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This victory marks not only a personal milestone for Tandon but also shines a light on the confluence of diverse cultures through music.
Held on February 2, 2025, the Grammy Awards recognized Tandon's collaborative work with the globally acclaimed South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, under the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category. "Triveni," symbolizing the merging of India's sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, features seven evocative tracks blending traditional Indian Vedic chants with contemporary musical elements.
The acceptance speech by Tandon was particularly moving. “Music is love, music is light, and music is laughter,” she expressed, reflecting on how music can illuminate even the darkest days. This heartfelt sentiment echoes throughout the album, aiming to create moments of joy and healing for its listeners.
This Grammy win is the culmination of Tandon's artistic efforts, having previously been nominated for her 2009 album Soul Call, marking this as her first Grammy victory. The acknowledgment is significant as Tandon articulated her desire to bring ancient Indian healing mantras to the forefront on the global musical stage.
Upon winning the Grammy, Tandon shared her excitement on social media, stating, “Honoured to receive a GRAMMY for our collaborative album Triveni. A moment reminding us all: music spreads joy and laughter.” Her recognition drew congratulations from prominent figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated her on social media platform X, recognizing her contributions as both an entrepreneur and musician passionate about Indian culture.
The album Triveni was released on August 30, 2024, and showcases Tandon's evolution as both a musician and cultural ambassador. Each of the seven tracks on the album tells its own story and carries the overarching theme of healing resonance. The names of the songs, such as “Pathway to Light” and “Seeking Shakti,” exemplify this narrative.
Chandrika Tandon's background adds depth to her accomplishments. Born and raised in Chennai, she is the elder sister of Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. Tandon has crafted her own path through both business and music, having been the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey & Company and establishing Tandon Capital Associates.
Musically, Tandon is trained not only in Carnatic and Hindustani classical music but also blends elements from global traditions, making her work resonate across cultures. With her non-profit music label, Soul Chants Music, she has dedicated herself to using music as a tool for healing and cultural expression.
Reflecting on her music, Tandon states, “These mantras hold meaning, recognizing our inner fullness.” This belief has been foundational to the creation of Triveni, emphasizing the power of music to bring people together and transform lives.
Both Tandon’s professional and musical journeys serve as inspirational narratives for aspiring artists worldwide. Her latest Grammy win stands alongside other Indian artists who have previously been honored, including the legendary Ravi Shankar and AR Rahman, contributing to the legacy of Indian music on the international stage.
Chandrika Tandon’s artistry is not just about personal accolades; it embodies crossing cultural boundaries and fostering connections through music. At 71, her Grammy victory heralds the next chapter of her illustrious career, paving the way for future collaborations and artistic explorations.
This win is emblematic of the growing appreciation and recognition for diversely influenced music genres, as more artists draw from their cultural roots to create work with global appeal. Tandon reminds us all of the uplifting power of music, as she passionately continues her mission to popularize Indian culture on the world stage.