Debashish Bhattacharya

Debashish Bhattacharya grew up in a musical family in Kolkata and received his first training from his vocalist parents. At the age of fifteen, he designed the first version of his slide guitar, which later became the 24-string Chaturangui. He then created two more instruments—the 14-string Gandharvi and the 4-string Anandi—together known as the "Trinity of Guitars."  These innovations helped bring a new sound to Indian classical music on slide guitar, combining the traditional structure of Ragas with fresh techniques and tone.

Global recognition followed in the 1990s as Debashish Bhattacharya began extensive international touring and worked with leading musicians, including John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, and U. Srinivas in the ensemble Remember Shakti. Albums such as Mahima and Calcutta Chronicles reached the World Music charts, and Calcutta Chronicles earned a Grammy nomination in 2009. Alongside performance, Bhattacharya has composed new evening Ragas for Hindustani classical music and continued to introduce innovative slide instruments. The Pushpa Veena, featuring a distinctive hide-covered top, reflects his ongoing exploration of new tonal possibilities. 

Bhattacharya founded the School of Universal Music in Kolkata, where he has guided hundreds of students in Indian classical slide guitar and developed what is regarded as the first formal slide guitar syllabus in the world. His decades of artistic work, instrument innovation, and teaching have earned him major honours, including the President of India Gold Medal (1984) and recognition in the World Music Hall of Fame (2022).