Ravi Chary

Ravi Chary – Biography

Ravi Chary, a celebrated sitarist, is a multifaceted artist known for his mastery as a performer, composer, innovator, collaborator, teacher, and Grammy award nominee. Hailing from the scenic land of Goa, he holds the distinction of being the first sitarist to emerge from the region, blending the natural beauty and musical vibrance of Goa into his soulful performances. Ravi Chary’s music transcends traditional boundaries, making it accessible to both classical connoisseurs and contemporary audiences worldwide.

Ravi's musical journey began under the early guidance of his father and first guru, Late Pt. Prabhakar Chary, a respected tabla player and musicologist. His formal sitar training started with Prof. Abdul Karim Khan in Goa, followed by rigorous tutelage in Mumbai under the legendary Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan. He continues to hone his artistry under Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, upholding the purity and finesse of the Etawah Gharana tradition.

With over two decades of performances across India and internationally, Ravi Chary has graced prestigious classical music festivals and has been acknowledged with a fellowship from the Ministry of HRD for his contribution to Indian music. His versatility and creative spirit shine through in his explorations into Indo-jazz fusion and world music. He is especially recognized for his acclaimed musical projects like ‘Ravi Chary Crossing’ and the ‘Sitar Symphony’, which demonstrate his ability to blend classical sitar with global contemporary sounds.

Ravi’s foray into world music was guided by percussion maestro Trilok Gurtu, and his solo Indo-jazz fusion album ‘Crossing’, launched by Ustad Zakir Hussain, brought him global acclaim. The album, composed entirely by Ravi, features an impressive lineup of India’s top musicians including Louiz Banks, Ranjit Barot, Sivamani, Fazal Qureshi, Taufiq Qureshi, and others. This groundbreaking album received a GIMA award nomination and showcased Ravi’s genre-bending musical approach that appeals across cultures.

Whether through powerful classical solo recitals, collaborative jazz-fusion compositions, or as a mentor to the next generation, Ravi Chary continues to be a pioneering voice in the world of sitar and contemporary Indian music.

Ravi Chary, the first internationally acclaimed sitarist from Goa, has carved a unique identity in the world of Indian classical and global fusion music. With over three decades of dedicated artistry, Ravi blends traditional Hindustani classical sensibilities with contemporary innovation, making him one of the most versatile and sought-after sitarists of his generation.

Ravi's musical foundation was laid by his father, Pt. Prabhakar Chary, and further honed under eminent Gurus like Prof. Abdul Karim Khan, Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan, and currently Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. He has mastered the art of sitar through rigorous training and deep exploration, which reflects in his powerful solo performances at premier festivals including Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Dover Lane Music Conference, and Saptak Festival.

Ravi Chary has had the honour of performing with some of the greatest legends of Indian music, including:

• Gaan Saraswati Kishori Amonkar

• Mridangam maestro Umalayapuram Shivaraman

• Ustad Sultan Khan

• Pt. Suresh Talwalkar

• Trilok Gurtu, Louiz Banks, Sivamani, Ranjit Barot, Fazal Qureshi, Shama Bhate, Amit Heri, and Merlin D’Souza

These collaborations have led to genre-defying performances and recordings across India and the world.

As a composer and innovator, Ravi launched the groundbreaking album "Crossing", a fusion masterpiece featuring India's top contemporary and jazz musicians. The album, launched by Ustad Zakir Hussain and nominated for the GIMA Awards, showcases Ravi's artistic breadth in Indo-Jazz fusion. His Sitar Symphony ensemble further fuses Indian classical elements with modern instruments like drums and keyboards, creating accessible yet intricate musical experiences.

One of his most globally recognized collaborations is his performance on the Grammy-nominated album “Miles from India”, a tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis. Ravi shared space with icons such as Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Wallace Roney, Jimmy Cobb, Louiz Banks, U. Srinivas, Vikku Vinayakram, and more.

Ravi has taught at Sharda Sangeet Vidyalaya, Bandra (Mumbai) and served as a lecturer in music at Mumbai University, further nurturing young talent in classical music.

A highly sought-after performing artiste, Ravi Chary has toured extensively across the globe including:
UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Holland, Greece, Singapore, Belgium, France, Yugoslavia, USA, Canada, Luxembourg, Ireland, Hungary, South Africa, Poland, Norway, Australia, Brazil, Dubai, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.

Through his fusion work, teaching, and classical mastery, Ravi continues to redefine the boundaries of sitar music while carrying forward the rich legacy of Indian classical tradition.