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A Classical Tabla virtuoso Pt. Poddar today has been considered a torch bearer and thunderously applauded by the greats of Tabla and stalwarts of Indian music for his scintillating and versatile way of playing.Prosenjit has crafted a unique style and creative approach which has brought him accolades and awards throughout the world.
His consistently brilliant performances and masterful improvisational dexterity created a constant demand in India and gained him a worldwide fame. One of the most favourite accompanists of many of India’s greatest musicians and Dancers.
Prosenjit Poddar is one of the most renowned percussionists in India, with a career spanning over three decades. He is widely known for his contribution to Indian classical music and has collaborated with numerous renowned artists from around the world. His music is a unique blend of traditional Indian classical music and global influences, making him a celebrated artist among audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
He was born into a musical family in Kolkata, India. His father, the legendary Pandit Taranath Poddar, was a classical vocalist, and his mother was a dancer. From a very young age, Poddar was surrounded by music and dance, and he showed a keen interest in rhythm and percussion. He began his musical training at the age of six, learning tabla from his father. He also studied under several renowned percussionists, including Anindo Chatterjee and Swapan Chaudhuri. His early influences included the classical music of North India, as well as the folk traditions of Bengal.
Poddar’s first professional engagement came when he was just 14 years old, when he performed with his father at a music festival in Kolkata. Over the years, he has explored a wide range of percussion instruments, including the tabla, pakhawaj, dhol, and mridangam. His collaborations with musicians from different parts of the world have been a major influence on his music. His approach to music is deeply rooted in the classical traditions of India, but he also incorporates elements of jazz, rock, African drum, and other global influences. He is a master of rhythm, and is known for his ability to create intricate patterns and complex structures that push the boundaries of traditional Indian classical music. Prosenjit Poddar has collaborated with some of the leading musicians in Indian classical music, including Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain, and Hari Prasad Chaurasia. Poddar has also collaborated with several popular musicians, including legendary rock band ‘Pink Floyd’. He has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
His tours have taken him to every corner of the globe, where he has shared his unique vision of Indian classical music. He believes that teaching percussion music is a lifelong process and a collaborative effort between the teacher and the student. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of developing a strong foundation in traditional techniques while also encouraging creativity and innovation. Throughout his career, Prosenjit Poddar has mentored and trained numerous students, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the music industry. He has conducted several training programs and workshops on percussion music, including his own signature workshop series called ‘Pulse of Rhythm’. These workshops are designed to help students of all skill levels to develop a deeper understanding of rhythm and percussion techniques. His workshops are highly interactive and incorporate a range of learning tools, including live demonstrations, group exercises, and individual practice sessions. Prosenjit Poddar’s contribution to percussion music has been widely recognized and he has received numerous awards and honours throughout his career, including the prestigious ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ award in 2010, and the ‘Sangeet Samman’ award by the Government of West Bengal in 2019.
He has also received several international awards and has been invited to perform at prestigious music festivals such as the World Percussion Festival in Seoul, Korea. He is still active in the field of percussion music. He continues to collaborate with renowned artists from around the world, conduct workshops and training programs, and inspire the next generation of musicians with his unique approach to music and artistry.
