Indian-American musician Chandrika Tandon, 71, won her first Grammy Award at the 2025 Grammy Awards. She received the honor for her album Triveni, which won in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category.This is her second Grammy nomination; her first was in 2009 for her album Soul Call. Tandon’s Triveni was released in August 2024 and quickly gained attention for its unique mix of Indian classical music and global influences.
The win was especially meaningful because she accepted the award alongside her talented collaborators: South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. Triveni tells a story of spiritual and musical unity through seven tracks, blending Vedic chants with soothing melodies.
Who is Chandrika Tandon?
Chandrika Tandon is a talented Indian-origin musician and vocalist who currently lives in the United States. She has been involved in music for many years and has performed at famous venues like the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. Known for her fusion of Indian classical music with global sounds, Tandon’s work has been deeply spiritual and culturally rich.
Tandon’s connection to business executive Indra Nooyi adds an interesting layer to her story. Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, is Tandon’s sister-in-law. Both women share values of leadership, hard work, and cultural pride, although they have made their marks in different fields—Tandon in music and Nooyi in business.
Triveni: Grammy-Winning Fusion of Indian Classical and Global Music
The name Triveni refers to the confluence of three sacred rivers in India: the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The album itself is a beautiful blend of sounds and cultures, symbolizing the union of diverse musical traditions.
The album features Tandon’s vocals, along with Wouter Kellerman’s flute and Eru Matsumoto’s cello, bringing together elements of Indian classical music, New Age ambient sounds, and global traditions. Each of the seven tracks has its own story to tell, designed to encourage reflection and mindfulness. Some of the track titles include “Pathway to Light,” “Journey Within,” and “Seeking Shakti,” all of which focus on themes of healing, self-discovery, and peace.
Triveni is more than just an album; it’s a spiritual and musical journey that aims to bring healing and mindfulness to listeners around the world.
Triveni Wins Grammy for Best Global Music, Surpassing Renowned Nominees
The competition in this category was strong. Other nominees included famous artists such as Rickey Kej for Break of Dawn, the late Ryuichi Sakamoto for Opus, Anoushka Shankar for Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, and Rashika Vekaria for Warriors of Light. Despite the tough competition, Triveni stood out and claimed the Grammy, highlighting the global appeal of Tandon’s unique fusion of Indian classical music and modern styles.
Tandon’s Grammy Speech: Embracing Music, Love, and Unity
In her acceptance speech, Tandon shared her joy with the audience, saying, “Music is love, music is light, and music is laughter. Let’s all be surrounded by love, light, and laughter.” Her words reflected the message of her album: the power of music to bring people together and heal the spirit.
Tandon also expressed her gratitude to her collaborators, acknowledging the special moment of winning the Grammy with them. Her warm and heartfelt speech showed how much this achievement meant to her and her team.
Grammy awards 2025: A Milestone for Tandon and the Music World
Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy win for Triveni is a major milestone in her career and a celebration of the power of music to unite cultures. Her unique blend of Indian classical music with global influences has earned her recognition, not just in India but around the world. From her first nomination in 2009 to her first win in 2025, Tandon’s journey is a testament to the enduring beauty and relevance of Indian classical music.
Her victory at the Grammys shows that music, when blended thoughtfully and with cultural respect, can transcend borders and resonate deeply with people from all walks of life. Tandon’s win is not just for her; it’s a win for global music and cultural exchange.
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