Albums of
Mandira Lahiri

Classical Vocal
by Mandira Lahiri

Mandira Lahiri is a foremost representative of Lucknow Gharana of North Indian Classical (hindustani) vocal music. She was born in Assam and was initiated to vocal music by her maternal uncle Late Sri. Birendra Kumar Phukan. Later on with her advancement as a student she came to Kolkata to study under Guru and father-in-law late Pandit Chinmoy Lahiri, the prolific teacher/performer who produced some outstanding performers like Begum Parveen Sultana.

In 1975 Mandira's talent was nationally recognized for the first time. All India Radio awarded her with the highest position in light classical vocal music, which other than khayal is also her subject of excellence. Now she holds the top grade in this classification in AIR.

Mandira is gifted with a very sonorous voice. She has a unique style of singing inherited from her guru. Her style of khayal singing is characterized by pure and meticulous treatment of ragas. Taans and sargams are developed on a variety of rhythmic patterns which travel through the octaves. She has performed in USA several times and has appreciated by all.

She has a few recordings to her credit. Her CD "RASAMANJARI" through Biswas records, USA is being widely distributed and loved. Two other CDs named "Bhajan Deep" (Hindi Bhajans composed by V. Balsara) & "Bhubono Bhoria Baje" (Bengali Ragpradhans composed by Late Pt. Chinmoy Lahiri) have ben released by Biswas Records in the U.S.A. She has also a few cassettes publishesd under the guidance of Pt. V. Balsara (her guru in the field of light music) which is also very well received.

Reviews

• "Mandira Lahiri sang khayal in raag Surdasi Malhar.... her tans falling like rapids, put one in mind of her guru bahin Parveen Sultana. Mandira's enunciation was clear and her lyric Aswan Kayo was handled with understanding"--- The Statesman Kolkata 18th August 1990.
  
  "The taankaris, layakaaris, and sargams of Mandira are very finely woven. She has a very gifted voice. She is an artist who gives a performance with great depth and emotion"- Ananda Bazar Patrika, Kolkata 24th February 1985.
  
• Her unique style of singing inherited from her legendary guru of Hindustani Classical Music, Late Pt. Chinmoy Lahiri, is equally expressed in the raga based songs created by Pt. V. Balsara. Sant Kabir, Mira, Tulsidas-bhajans, Traditional Gujrati Bhajans & Ghazals of Hafiz & Zafar are the items of this album in which the harmonium is skillfully played by Pt. V. Balsara himself. ANUBHAV is an unique presentation of Mandira Lahiri.