Hariprasad Chaurasia Biography

Hariprasad Chaurasia is an eminent Indian flautist who is best known for popularizing Indian Classical Music all over the world. A living legend, he is counted among the greatest masters of the North Indian Bamboo flute. Acclaimed not just in his native country but also in the Western world, he has also worked as a music director for many films and was even featured in one of the English rock band, The Beatles’ singles. Unlike many other musicians who hail from a musically inclined family, he came from a family with no interest in music whatsoever. The son of a wrestler, he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. But the young Hariprasad had other plans for himself. Rebelling against his father who did not want his son to become a musician, he started learning classical vocal technique. However, he switched to flute after meeting a renowned flautist—a decision that would ultimately lead him to his true calling. His early life as a musician was full of struggles but once he gained a foothold in the world of Indian classical music, there was no stopping him. He has been honored with many prestigious awards including the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution to the world of arts.