DWI – Two Voices, One Soul

Aruna Sairam is a renowned Carnatic vocalist, Padma Shri awardee, and former Vice Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. A global ambassador for South Indian classical music, she was the first Carnatic musician to perform at the BBC Proms in London (2011) and at the Oud Festival in Jerusalem. She has also performed at Carnegie Hall (NYC), Théâtre de la Ville (Paris), the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (Morocco), the Darbar Festival (London), and the Mahindra Percussion Festival, collaborating with India’s finest musicians.

Known for her raga-based renditions and intricate rhythms, Aruna blends deep-rooted tradition with her emotive, distinct style, captivating audiences worldwide. She continues to innovate, bringing contemporary sensibilities to classical music while honouring its heritage.

Among her signature initiatives is The Thrillana Project, a reimagining of the classical Thillana—a rhythmic piece traditionally performed at the end of concerts or dance recitals. The ensemble combines mridangam, tabla, violin, keyboards, drums, and bass guitar, creating a vibrant, layered soundscape where traditional instruments converse rhythmically with modern elements. The project bridges classical and contemporary, making the form accessible to wider audiences.

Through performances, collaborations, and projects like The Thrillana Project, Aruna Sairam continues to inspire, innovate, and represent South Indian classical music on the global stage.

Kaushiki Chakraborty is one of the leading and most influential vocalists of her generation, widely regarded as the foremost exponent of the Patiala Gharana. Deeply rooted in tradition yet contemporary in her approach, she has earned global acclaim for performances marked by technical brilliance, emotive depth, and aesthetic sensitivity. Mentored by her father and guru, Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, and supported by her mother, Smt. Chandana Chakraborty, Kaushiki combines rigorous training with unwavering dedication and artistic integrity.

Her voice, known for its range, agility, and emotive power, carries forward a rich legacy while exploring new musical frontiers. She has received numerous honours, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, BBC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music, Nari Shakti Puraskar, GIMA Award, and Mirchi Music Awards.

Among her signature projects is Remembering the Divas, a tribute to six legendary women of Indian classical music, blending timeless compositions with contemporary arrangements to create a cross-generational dialogue. Another is Pankh, conceptualised by Shantanu Moitra and performed live by Kaushiki, which unfolds as a musical autobiography reflecting vulnerability, resilience, and joy, connecting deeply with audiences.

Beyond classical stages, she has collaborated with A.R. Rahman, appeared on MTV Coke Studio, and in Indian cinema, bridging classical and contemporary music with authenticity. Committed to education and legacy-building, she founded Kaushiki’s Music and Us, an online academy making Indian classical music more accessible and sustainable for future generations.