Sulagna Halder

Khyal is a form of Hindustani Classical music and is based on a repertoire of short songs. Performances of khyal often start with a song in a very slow rhythmic cycle, perhaps of 10, 12, 14 or 16 beats; often the pulse is so slow that each beat is further subdivided. Khyal is several hundred years old. Originating in the courts of the Moghul emperors as a less rigid alternative to the Dhrupad style, it has evolved into a remarkably flexible form that allows an artist's individuality considerable rein - while remaining within the steady, inexorable flow of Indian tradition.

Sulagna was born in Kolkata to a family with musical heritage and environment where she inhaled music with her very first breath. Groomed in an atmosphere of music from her childhood she took to music instinctively.

She entered into the world of music at the age of 4 under supervision of her aunt, Smt. Phalguni Bakshi (disciple of Smt. Mira Bandopadhyay and Sri. Manabendra Mukherjee). Her inclination towards music gradually initiated her in the world of Hindustani Classical Music.

She received extensive talim from Pt. Jaiswalji and then Dr. Aradhana Dey for 10 years. In course of time she came to realize that through Indian Classical Music alone she could explore and express her philosophy of life and choose to devote herself to music as a vocalist.

Since 1999, she has been striving hard in her journey towards accomplishment under the supervision of Pandit Samaresh Chowdhury of Rampur Senia Gharana. At present, she is also taking lessons from Ustad Maskoor Ali Khan and Mubarak Ali Khan of Kirana Gharana.

She graduated from Kolkata University with Vocal (Hons) and got the 'Sangeet Pravakar' degree in vocal from Prayag Sangeet Samiti with distinction.

The specialty of her performance is systematic raga developments with alap, swargam, tans, boltans and laykari. Blessed with a bold, melodious voice and the capacity at grasping and expressing the correct mood of a raga.

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She has performed as solo artist in numerous cultural programs. Some of her performances are:

*   In 2005, she performed in Vijaya Sammelani organized by 'Navarang' Kolkata.

*   In 2006 she performed on-stage alongwith her Guru Pandit Samaresh Chowdhury in a program    organized by Nazrul Girls School, Purulia.

*   In 2007, she performed on stage in a program organized by 'Onkar'.

*   In 2008, she performed in the Golden Jubilee Celebration Concert of 'Ustad Bhagabandas Setari    Memorial Music College', Baranagar, and was tremendously appreciated for her performance.

*   In 2009, she performed in 'Bali Sadharan Granthagar Auditorium'.

Sulagna Halder received the prestigious prizes. They are:

*   1st Prize in Khyal in District Youth Festival.

*   1st Prize in Khyal Competition organized by Dept of Information and Culture.