Chandrika Tandon, the 71-year-old Indian-American musician and entrepreneur, proudly took home her first Grammy Award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 3, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tandon won the prestigious award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her exceptional work, Triveni, captivating audiences with her seamless blend of Vedic chants and contemporary styles.
The Grammy win is not just another accolade for Tandon; it is the culmination of years of dedication and artistic innovation. Collaboratively produced with renowned musicians Wouter Kellerman, a South African flautist, and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, Triveni features seven soul-stirring tracks, including Pathway to Light, Journey Within, and Chant in A. This album exemplifies Tandon's commitment to creating music transcending cultural and geographical barriers.
After receiving the award, Tandon expressed her elation, stating, "It feels amazing. We had such wonderful nominees in the category. The fact we won this is really an extra special moment for us. There were fabulous musicians who were nominated with us." Her enthusiasm reflects the pride she holds for this achievement, ushering her music dream to stunning fulfillment.
Tandon's exemplary musical talents run parallel to her distinguished career as a business leader. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, she made history as the first Indian-American woman to be elected partner at McKinsey & Company, breaking glass ceilings within the corporate sphere. She later founded Tandon Capital Associates, which has advised several leading global enterprises.
Along with her impressive business acumen, Tandon is recognized for her significant philanthropic contributions. Together with her husband, Ranjan Tandon, she has pledged $100 million to the NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, resulting in the institution’s renaming to the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Tandon's commitment to education and social causes strengthens her legacy as both philanthropist and artist.
Triveni is Tandon's second Grammy-nominated album; she previously received recognition for her debut album, Soul Call, back in 2011. The recent Grammy win not only highlights her unwavering dedication to her craft but also positions her at the forefront of Indian-origin artists gaining international attention.
Chandrika Tandon's achievements resonate well beyond her artistic endeavors, as she has become synonymous with the fusion of Indian classical music and modern influences. Growing up in Chennai, music was ingrained in her upbringing, largely inspired by her mother, who was also a musician. Tandon's rich musical training encompassed Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western traditions, allowing her to emerge as a versatile artist.
With the support of notable figures like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated her on social media, Tandon's win is celebrated as part of India's rich cultural heritage. Modi praised her for her commitment to promoting Indian culture globally, underscoring Tandon's impact as both artist and entrepreneur.
"Congratulations to @chandrikatandon on winning the Grammy for Triveni. We take immense pride in her accomplishments as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and, of course, as a musician!" Modi stated, adding to the accolades surrounding her Grammy triumph.
Chandrika Tandon continues to inspire individuals, particularly women aspiring to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields, by showcasing the intersection of art and business. She exemplifies the notion of pursuing one’s dreams regardless of age—her Grammy victory serving as evidence of this undeniable truth.
Her rich legacy, intertwined with cultural fusion, resonates with many aspiring artists worldwide. Tandon's commitment to the arts and her philanthropic efforts signify the transformative power of music, compelling listeners to connect with their roots and engage deeply with universal themes.
With her first Grammy win, Chandrika Tandon has not only validated her lifelong dream but also etched her name among the distinguished artists celebrated globally. Her artistic and business endeavors create waves of change, portraying music as a shared language capable of bridging divides and fostering connections worldwide.