Rajendra Prasanna

Pt. Rajendra Prasanna is an accomplished exponent of Hindustani instrumental music, specializing in the bansuri and shehnai, with a lineage firmly anchored in the Benares Gharana. Born in Varanasi, he was immersed in classical music from an early age, receiving foundational training from his father, Raghunath Prasanna, and his uncles, Bholanath Prasanna and Vishnu Prasanna—both respected figures in Indian classical instrumental music. His family’s move to Delhi expanded his exposure, leading him to study under Hafeez Ahmed Khan and Sarfaraz Hussain Khan and to receive vocal guidance from Mahadev Mishra, enriching his understanding of raga and phrasing.

Rajendra Prasanna’s performance career includes appearances at prominent international platforms such as the Edinburgh Festival (UK), Sydney Opera House, WOMAD Festivals in Australia and New Zealand, and cultural events in North America and Europe, including performances connected to India’s independence celebrations at the United Nations headquarters. He was also part of the internationally recognized Concert for George project in London.

Recognized as a top-grade artist by All India Radio, he has received multiple honors, including the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1995), a Grammy Award certificate (2004), the Lifetime Achievement Award by Sahara India, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017) for Hindustani instrumental music. His work continues to represent Indian classical music through performances, recordings, and global concert activity.