Dr. Kalyan Mukherjea, an unsung luminary of the Hindustani music tradition, mesmerized audiences with his virtuosity on the sarod. His tutelage under Pt. Radhika Mohan Maitra, a revered musical giant, and Pt. Dhrubatara Joshi, a reputed erudite vocalist, honed his skills from an early age. His passion for music was rivalled only by his love for mathematics, which led him to graduate from Oxford and earn a doctorate from Cornell. He joined the Mathematics Department at UCLA at a young age of 26. However, his heart yearned for music, and he returned to India in 1976 to devote his time to it. Simultaneously, he served as a faculty member at the prestigious Indian Statistical Institutes in Delhi and Calcutta, dedicating himself to both his passions until his retirement in 2003.

Dr. Mukherjea’s music was a blend of technical virtuosity and subtle emotionalism that could surprise even the most seasoned listeners. His deft touch on the sarod made his music unique and awe-inspiring. Despite Dr Mukherjea’s reserved personal nature, his All India Radio broadcasts gained him ardent listeners. He was an exceptional teacher, both in music and mathematics.

The memory of Dr. Mukherjea's clarity of musical thought, depth of enunciation, and rigorous grasp of ragas lingers on in the hearts of numerous connoisseurs. His music, even at its most virtuosic, possessed a quiet dignity that resonated with his audiences. Those who knew him personally speak of his extraordinary kindness, compassion, and hospitality, which made him an exceptional human being. He was a true master of his craft, whose music continue to enchant and inspire generations of students and aficionados around the world.

Listen to this moving dāstān on Dr Kalyan Mukherjea written by the sarod maestro Pt. Prattyush Banerjee, recited by the renowned dastango Danish Hussain.