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.