Founder Pt. Ravi Chary
Pt. Ravi Chary is an internationally renowned sitar virtuoso, revered for his rare blend of technical brilliance, melodic depth, and emotional expression. A disciple of the legendary Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan and Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, he represents the rich lineage of the Etawah Gharana — known for its lyrical grace, intricate gayaki ang, and spiritual sensitivity. His artistry transcends boundaries, weaving together the purity of Indian classical tradition with the vibrancy of contemporary world music.
From an early age, Pt. Ravi Chary displayed an extraordinary affinity for the sitar, immersing himself in the discipline and devotion that the art demands. Over the years, he has evolved into a multifaceted musician — a performer, composer, and cultural ambassador — who continues to explore the infinite dimensions of sound and emotion through his music. His performances are a journey of introspection and joy, where every note resonates with both discipline and divinity.
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His collaborations with some of the greatest musicians of our time — Ustad Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, Louiz Banks, Sivamani, Ranjit Barot, and Fazal Qureshi, among many others — have established him as one of the most respected figures in the global fusion and world music scene. He has enthralled audiences at prestigious international festivals such as WOMAD, Glastonbury, San Javier International Jazz Festival, Rhythm Sticks Festival, and Bogotá Jazz Festival, spreading the fragrance of Indian classical music across continents.
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Beyond his collaborative brilliance, Pt. Ravi Chary’s solo Hindustani performances remain the heart of his musical identity. His alap is meditative, his jod-jhala full of vitality, and his gat presentations carry an unmatched rhythmic dialogue — reflecting both mastery and surrender. His recitals evoke the timeless essence of the raga tradition, transporting listeners into a world where melody and silence merge.
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He has to his credit several acclaimed albums, including Miles from India (Grammy-nominated), The Glimpse, African Fantasy, Beat of Love, Broken Rhythm, Moving Images, and his debut world music album Ravi Chary Crossing — the title of which was conceived by none other than Ustad Zakir Hussain. Each of these works captures his evolving musical vision, where Indian ragas converse effortlessly with global sounds.
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Having performed in over 30 countries, Pt. Ravi Chary continues to be a true ambassador of Indian classical and fusion music, enchanting audiences with his artistry and humility. His contribution has been recognised with numerous honours, including a Fellowship from the Ministry of HRD (Government of India), the Naad Chintamani Award from the Kerala State Government, and the Surmani Award for his excellence in Indian classical music.
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Through Swar Sanskruti Music Academy (SSMA), founded in 2013, Pt. Ravi Chary continues his life’s mission — to preserve and promote the timeless heritage of Hindustani Classical Music. He envisions SSMA as a sacred space where tradition meets modern expression, where young aspirants learn with dedication under the gurukul paddhati, and where senior musicians are supported with dignity and care.
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For Pt. Ravi Chary, music is not merely an art — it is a spiritual calling, a journey of devotion (sadhana), and a means to connect hearts across the world. His vision is to create a living legacy of sound and soul, ensuring that the eternal resonance of Indian classical music continues to inspire generations to come.
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