Testimonials

  • Pandit Amiya Ranjan Banerjee, PhD

    “I can confidently affirm that Mr. Girish Chatterjee is one of the highest caliber vocalist of Indian Classical Music today. Trained by legends such as Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and A.T. Kanan, he began performing at an exceptionally young age, showcasing a unique and refined style that he meticulously developed over the years. His profound knowledge, rigorous training, artistic mastery, and remarkable creativity have even led him to compose his own raag.

    As the director and mentor at the Taan Music Academy founded in India by his late father, Mr. Chatterjee has guided over 100 students of all ages, including prominent figures like Rima Mukherjee, a singer featured in more than 80 Bollywood films. His landmark performance at the 1996 Dover Lane Music Conference, where he headlined as one of only five selected artists, cemented his reputation as one of the finest Khayal vocalists of his time, earning widespread acclaim and admiration.

    Mr. Chatterjee’s immense talent, dedication, and contributions to Indian Classical Music are truly unmatched. He is a gifted singer, visionary artist, inspiring educator, and a pivotal figure in the evolution of this revered art form.”

    Doctor in Aesthesis of Music and Author

    Retired Head of the Department of Vocal Music of Rabindra Bharati University, India

  • Pandit Bhimsen Joshi

    “I have known Girish since his early childhood, beginning when he was just four years old. His parents brought him and his younger brother to meet me at Maharashtra Nivas in Kolkata, and they asked him to sing something in front of me. When I heard him sing, I was completely speechless. His rendition left me astonished—not only because of his perfect command over the notes but also because he demonstrated an innate understanding of the raga's character. For such a young child to sing with such precision and respect for the nuances of Indian classical music was truly extraordinary.

    Even at that age, Girish showed remarkable skill in delivering high-speed sargams and taans, a rare feat for someone so young. I immediately recognized his potential and knew he was destined for greatness. I told his parents to bring him back when he was a little older so I could take him under my guidance.

    Years later, I had the privilege of accepting Girish as my student. One of the highlights of our association was his performance with me at the prestigious Malkauns Samaroh in 1985, held at Kolkata's Kalamandir Auditorium. I invited him to share the stage with me, and when he began singing, his voice captivated the entire audience in an instant. The power, melody, and sheer brilliance of his performance left everyone spellbound.

    The legends of Indian classical music sitting in the front row—stalwarts like Pandit Gyan Prakash Ghosh, Pandit A.T. Kanan, Vidushi Girija Devi, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Pandit V.G. Jog—rose in a standing ovation. I was filled with immense pride as his teacher, witnessing such a mesmerizing and phenomenal performance. That day, Girish proved not just his potential but his place among the finest vocalists of his generation.”

    Late Legendary Hindustani Vocalist and Icon of Indian Classical Music

  • Pandit A.T. Kanan

    “I’ve never encountered a vocalist like Girish in Indian Classical music—he’s truly one of a kind. His voice is golden, rich, and both powerful and melodious. The way he sings is completely unique, and he has this incredible ability to master not just classical ragas but also other genres like Thumri, Dadra, Ghazals, and Bhajans.

    What sets Girish apart is how deeply he connects with his audience. His singing has such an emotional depth that it goes straight to the heart. I’m always moved to tears listening to him. It’s rare to find someone who can express so much through their voice. In my view, no one in this era can match his level of artistry. He’s truly unparalleled, a supernatural talent unlike any other.”

    Late Judge & Expert Committee Board Member at the Sangeet Research Academy

  • Ustaad Yunus Hussain Khan

    “Girish has a very impressive, powerful, steady and vast voice. He sang Maru Bihag splendidly, Vilambit and Drut very systematically with Vistar and Taan Sargam. His Taans are powerful and steeped in tunefulness and never falling short of note-points.”

    Late Judge & Expert Committee Board Member at the Sangeet Research Academy

  • Pandit Gyan Prakash Gosh

    “He amazes me every time I hear him sing. His performances force me to stand up and ask for “Encore”. In a big music concert like Malkaush Samaroh in Kolkata Kalamandir Auditorium, when he was invited by Bhimsen Joshi to give him vocal support, he could not have chosen someone better than Girish. He makes me speechless everytime I hear him sing. Not only his vocal tone attracted me but his super melodious vocal tone but all his other incredible characteristics about singing like spectacular improvisations, his taans, sargams and pukar. He has characteristic in his Indian Classical style of singing.”

    Late Judge & Expert Committee Board Member at the Sangeet Research Academy

  • Shrimati Girija Devi

    “(Girish is) versatile and not only confined to classical music but also extended to various branches of light classical music like Thumri, Bhajan, Ghazal, Semi-Classical and Bollywood. In each of these branches Girish's skills are unparalleled and marvelous. His voice which is divinely gifted and which has the quality of being applicable to all types of music enables him to reach the zenith of success.”

    Late Judge & Expert Committee Board Member at the Sangeet Research Academy

  • Ustaad Latafat Hussain Khan

    “Girish's voice quality is unprecedented and rare. He is an erudite scholar of classical music showing great command over Sur, Tala, Laya and Chanda, having an extraordinary skills in using Taan, Sargam, Murki, Pukar and Vistar.”

    Late Judge & Expert Committee Board Member at the Sangeet Research Academy

  • Gangubai Hangal, PhD

    “Girish's music resembled that of the legendary Sawai Gandharva.”

    Late Icon of Indian Classical Music

  • Pandit Nivrutibua Sarnaik

    “He has been divinely gifted with a soul-stirring voice creating a hypnotic effect which deeply touches the heart of the listener. He is Apratim (incomprable). He always mesmerizes me with his powerful performances. He takes me to an enchanting world everytime he sings. His Swaras (all notes) express a wide range of emotions and vocal textures while his voice is resonant carrying strength and depth.”

    Late Legendary Vocalist of Indian Classical Music

    Judge & Expert Committee Board Member at the Sangeet Research Academy

  • Pandit V. G. Jog

    “Girish is always a special loved one for me. His has a God given voice & unparalel style of singing of Indian Classical Music. God blessed him with incredible talent in music.”

    Late Legendary Violinist of Indian Classical Music

    Judge & Expert Committee Board Member at the Sangeet Research Academy