Vinay Karanam Chandrika Tandon, an Indian-American singer, songwriter, and producer, has made history by winning the 2025 Grammy Award for her album “Triveni” in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category. This marks her first Grammy win and second nomination, solidifying her influence in the world of spiritual and healing music.
Chandrika Tandon’s Personal Life and Background
Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon was born in Chennai, India, in 1954. She is the eldest of three siblings, including her sister Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. Music played a significant role in her upbringing, influenced by her mother, a musician, and the teachings of the Samaveda that permeated their household.
Tandon pursued higher education at Madras Christian College before earning a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Initially aspiring to attend law school, she shifted her focus to business after encouragement from one of her professors. Tandon began her career at Citibank in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War and later joined McKinsey & Company in New York City, becoming the first Indian-American woman to be elected partner at the firm.
Beyond her business achievements, Tandon is a renowned philanthropist, supporting education and the arts. She has served as a trustee for New York University and NYU Langone Health. Her foundation donated $100 million to NYU’s engineering school, now named the NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
Chandrika Tandon’s Musical Journey
Tandon’s musical journey intertwines with her professional life. She is a trained vocalist and composer in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western music traditions. Her debut studio album, “Soul Call”, released in 2009, received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2011. Her latest album, “Triveni”, released in 2024, won her the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album at the 67th Grammy Awards.
“Triveni” is a groundbreaking collaboration with Grammy-winning South African flutist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese American cellist Eru Matsumoto. The album blends ancient mantras with the soothing sounds of flute and cello, serving as a bridge between cultures and traditions. Tandon expressed her joy after winning the Grammy, stating, “Music is love, music ignites the light within all of us, and, even in our darkest days, music spreads joy and laughter”.
History of the Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards, also known as the Gramophone Awards, were established in 1959 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. The first Grammy Awards ceremony was held in 1959 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Over the years, the Grammys have become one of the most prestigious music awards, celebrating artists across various genres and categories.
Indian-Origin Artists at the Grammys
Indian-origin artists have made significant contributions to the Grammy Awards over the years. Notable Indian artists who have been nominated or won Grammys include Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Radhika Vekaria. Chandrika Tandon’s win adds to this legacy, highlighting the growing recognition of Indian talent in the global music industry.
Chandrika Tandon’s journey from a Chennai-born businesswoman to a Grammy-winning musician is a testament to her dedication, talent, and the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries. Her achievements inspire many and continue to elevate the presence of Indian artists on the global stage.
Chandrika Tandon performing at World Hindu Congress 2018 at Chicago
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Chandrika Tondon Singing Ekatmata Mantra at Inaugural session of World Hindu Congress
