(Fourth in the series on prominent vocalists in the National Capital)
They say, “Charity begins at home.” For Nilannjana Ghosh, replace ‘charity’ with ‘music’, and you have her fascinating story.
A Musical Lineage
Nilannjana’s first brush with music came from her father, Manoj Kumar Mondol, and his musically gifted family. Her grandmother was a Western music singer, her grandfather an accomplished violinist, one uncle an Esraj player, and another a lyricist-composer. Her father, initially a tabla player, later became a trained Hindustani classical vocalist. The family founded “Mohini Mohan Sangeet Shikhalaya”—the first music college in Asansol, West Bengal.
A Journey Across Borders
From Asansol to Anand (Gujarat), Sonepat (Haryana), Delhi, and Muscat (Oman), Nilannjana’s life has been a blend of music, education, and media. With a Master’s in English, a PG Diploma in Journalism, and a Senior Diploma in Hindustani Classical Music (Prayag Samiti, Allahabad), she balanced a journalistic career (Zee TV, NDTV) with her passion for music.
Her performances span the Bangladesh High Commission (New Delhi) and anchoring “Antakshari” with Annu Kapoor in Muscat. She has lent her voice to English and Hindi news voiceovers and worked with AIR and Doordarshan as a singer and show host. Today, she is a recognized singer and anchor at musical events and film festivals across Delhi-NCR.
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Kolkata Kalling: A Passion Project
Currently, Nilannjana is immersed in “Kolkata Kalling”—a project conceptualized a decade ago. She explains:
“The goal is to share Kolkata’s deep-rooted musical heritage through live performances and structured workshops. We’re creating a digital (and eventually physical) archive for aspiring musicians and enthusiasts.”
Musical Inspirations
Her eclectic taste spans:
English: ABBA, Carpenters, Cliff Richard, Simon & Garfunkel
“The Guru-Shishya tradition emphasizes personal guidance and mentorship. In today’s digital age, where information is abundant, the depth of direct mentorship is irreplaceable. A Guru doesn’t just teach—they impart wisdom through experience. While technology aids learning, it often lacks the nuance, discipline, and context that a dedicated mentor provides.”
On Fusion & Experimentation
“Fusion isn’t for everyone—it’s an expert’s craft. True fusion demands deep respect and understanding of the traditions involved. Random orchestration or haphazard blending can dilute or distort the essence of the music. Mastery comes from profound knowledge, not just experimentation.”
On the Future of Vocal Music in India
“With the growing focus on quantity and instant gratification, there’s a risk of compromising quality. The pressure of social media and competitive platforms often prioritizes visibility over depth. While staying relevant is important, quality must never be sacrificed.”
Advice to Aspiring Singers
“Music is the highest of the 64 Kalas (arts). It’s not just about a good voice or hitting the right notes—it’s a craft, a discipline, a lifelong journey. Respect the art, your teachers, and the time it takes to grow. With dedication, music becomes your greatest friend and the most powerful language in the world.”
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