USA (Commonwealth Union)_ At the prestigious 2025 Grammy Awards, Indian-American vocalist and entrepreneur Chandrika Tandon made history by winning the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her album Triveni. Tandon, in collaboration with renowned musicians Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto, earned this recognition for their work on the album, which was released in August 2024. The ceremony was held in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in Tandon’s illustrious career. Tandon, who proudly represents India on the global stage, made a memorable appearance at the event, donning a graceful silk salwar kurta, complemented by her signature necklace. As one of the few artists of Indian heritage nominated at this year’s awards, Tandon’s achievement stands out. Other notable Indian musicians, including Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Radhika Vekaria, were also recognized in their respective categories.
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Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon is a name synonymous with both business acumen and musical talent. A respected Indian-American business leader, philanthropist, and gifted musician, she has garnered international recognition for her contributions to the music industry, particularly with her dual Grammy nominations. Tandon is the elder sister of Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. Born and raised in Chennai, Tandon’s academic journey led her to Madras Christian College, followed by a master’s degree from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. She also broke barriers as the first Indian-American woman to be named partner at McKinsey & Company, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills and business expertise.
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Tandon’s passion for music was nurtured from an early age, due to her family’s traditional upbringing. Both she and her sister, Indra, were immersed in the teachings of Samaveda and Vedic chants, alongside the rich melodies of Carnatic music. Tandon’s formal music education began under the guidance of classical singer Shubhra Guha and vocalist Girish Wazalwar, further shaping her musical journey. A composer and vocalist, Tandon has trained in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western music traditions, blending these influences into her work. Her debut album, Soul Call (2009), earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music in 2010. Her album Triveni also received a Grammy nod for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album in 2024, further cementing her place in the global music scene.
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The title Triveni draws inspiration from the confluence of the sacred Indian rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This album represents the merging of diverse cultures, brought to life through the collaboration between Tandon, Kellerman, and Matsumoto. The album features seven tracks: Pathway to Light; Chant in A; Journey Within; Aether’s Serenade; Ancient Moon; Open Sky; and Seeking Shakti. Released on August 30, 2024, Triveni exemplifies Tandon’s vision of musical unity and her deep reverence for both Indian traditions and global sounds. Tandon’s win at the Grammys is not her first encounter with the prestigious awards. In 2010, she was nominated for her album Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call in the Best Contemporary World Music Album category. This year, she was nominated alongside other prominent figures, such as producer Ricky Kej for Break of Dawn, the late Japanese maestro Ryuichi Sakamoto for Opus, sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar for Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, and Rashika Vekaria for Warriors of Light.
Reflecting on her victory backstage, Tandon described the moment as surreal and deeply meaningful. “It feels amazing,” she expressed, acknowledging the immense talent present in her category. “The fact that we won this is really an extra special moment for us. There were fabulous musicians who were nominated with us.” In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Tandon shared her gratitude, stating, “Music is love, music is light, and music is laughter. Let’s all be surrounded by love, light, and laughter. Thank you for the music, and thank you to everyone who makes music.” Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy win is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the growing recognition of Indian-origin artists in global music circles. With her dedication to both business and music, Tandon’s success story continues to inspire people around the world, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in both the corporate and creative worlds.
