Posted on 25 September 2025:
Smt. Rupan Sarkar Samanta — A Living Legacy of Banaras Gharana
Smt. Rupan Sarkar Samanta is a name that resonates with grace, devotion and timeless artistry in the world of Hindustani classical music. Internationally celebrated and deeply respected, she is not only a gifted vocalist of the Banaras Gharana but also a passionate teacher, cultural visionary and institution builder.
Trained under the legendary Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi, she spent ten transformative years in her Guru’s Banaras home, absorbing the soul of the Guru–Shishya Parampara. Her voice carries the essence of tradition through Khayal, Tappa, Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, Chaiti and more—each rendered with heartfelt emotion and technical brilliance.
With nearly five decades of dedication and over 300 performances alongside her Guruma, she continues to inspire generations across the globe. Her journey has been blessed by India’s greatest maestros, from Pt. Ravi Shankar to Ustad Zakir Hussain, affirming her place as a true torchbearer of India’s classical heritage.
A Journey Rooted in Tradition and Blossomed on Global Stages
Smt. Rupan Sarkar Samanta’s musical journey began at the tender age of four, guided by the gentle wisdom of her father, Shri Birendra Nath Sarkar. Her path deepened under the legendary Padma Vibhushan Smt. Girija Devi, with over a decade of intense training in the sacred Guru–Shishya tradition. She mastered rare and expressive forms like Tappa and Tap Khayal, alongside Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, Holi, Jhoola, Chaiti, and Bhajans—each rendered with heartfelt emotion and technical grace. As one of the few artists devoted to preserving the delicate beauty of Tappa and Tap Khayal, she has become a beacon of authenticity in Indian classical music. Her voice has graced stages across India and abroad, from vibrant festivals to prestigious conferences in cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai and beyond.
Her artistry has also been honored in special performances at Governor Houses in Lucknow and Manipur, and twice at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata—each moment a testament to her enduring legacy and the timeless power of her music.
A Global Voice with a Heart Rooted in Tradition
Smt. Rupan Sarkar Samanta’s music has crossed oceans and touched hearts around the world. From the grand stage of Royal Festival Hall in London to soulful concerts in Paris and Switzerland, her voice has echoed through some of the most prestigious venues. She’s been featured on Radio France and has led concerts and workshops across the United States—in cities like Austin, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, and many more—sharing the depth and beauty of Hindustani classical music.
Beyond performance, she is a visionary institution builder. As the founder of Sadaj Pancham, she has created a space where tradition meets new generations, fostering cultural exchange and musical excellence.
Her curated events, such as Siddhi (a tribute to her Guru Girija Devi), the upcoming homage to Ustad Zakir Hussain, and the Malhar Festival honoring legends, reflect her deep reverence for the art and its torchbearers. Through annual celebrations like Basant Panchami and Gulab Bari, she continues to weave music into the fabric of community and culture.
Honoured by Legends, Crowned by Her Art
Smt. Rupan Sarkar Samanta’s musical journey is adorned with blessings from India’s greatest maestros—icons like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Ustad Zakir Hussain have recognized her soulful dedication and rare artistry. Their admiration is not just a tribute to her talent, but a reflection of the deep respect she commands in the classical music world. Her voice, steeped in tradition and emotion, has earned her prestigious awards over the years—from the All-Bengal Championship in 1994 to the Kala Ratna in Patna. With accolades like the Surmani Award and honors from Puri and Mumbai, she stands tall as a true gem of Indian classical music, carrying forward a legacy that continues to shine with grace and brilliance.
Nurturing Tradition, Inspiring Generations
Smt. Rupan Sarkar Samanta is not just a celebrated vocalist—she is a passionate guardian of India’s classical music heritage.
As the founder of Sadaj Pancham, her academy has become a vibrant hub for traditional music and cultural exchange. Her vision shines through events like Siddhi, a heartfelt tribute to her Guru Girija Devi, and upcoming celebrations honoring Ustad Zakir Hussain and Pandit Shankar Ghosh. Through annual festivals like Basant Panchami and Gulab Bari, she brings classical music into the rhythm of everyday life. Her dedication reaches far beyond the stage—performing at Bhatkhande Holi Utsav, Virasat Festival, and SPIC MACAY events, while also conducting outreach in places like Tehri, Pauri and Badrinath. With workshops in Haridwar, Rishikesh and IIT Roorkee, she nurtures young talent and sparks a love for music in every corner of the state. As an empaneled ICCR artist and a respected voice on All India Radio, her influence is both deep and wide.
Residing in Dehradun for over two decades, she continues to shape the future of classical music with grace, wisdom, and unwavering devotion.
