Nirmalya Dey

Pandit Nirmalya Dey is a well-known personality in Hindustani Classical Music, specifically the Dhrupad genre. He is also a teacher in the traditional Dagarvani Dhrupad. His inspiration was his mother, which led to him starting early training in Dhrupad with Prof. Nimaichand Boral, a disciple of Ustad Nasir Moinuddin Dagar from 1975 to 1987.

Then, from 1988 onwards, he trained from Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, the 19th unbroken generation of Dhrupad performing family. He learned closely for 26 years while appearing on stage by his Guru's side. He earned his Diploma and Bachelor's Degree from Sangit Prabhakar, the 6th year diploma in vocal music from Prayag Sangit Samiti, Allahabad, in 1980, and a Master in vocal music from Indira Kala Sangit Vishvavidhyalay at Khairagarh in 1991.

He evolved his style and approach as a vocalist with his understanding of Dhrupad. In his initial career, he won the first prize in The National Music Competition which was held by The All India Radio in 1979.He earned a senior fellowship for his exceptional skill and prowess in Dhrupad, by The Ministry of Human Resource Department, Government of India. Later, The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) empaneled him as a dhrupad performer of the outstanding category. Also, All India Radio and the national television channel (Doordarshan) bestowed him with Top Grade Artist.

Pandit Nirmalya Dey is a renowned artist who has performed at various occasions like festivals and concerts in India and abroad. He has also adopted the culture of Jugalbandi, which is a fusion of two musicians with different styles or instruments but in the same genre. He did this several times with the rudra veena maestro Ustad Mohi Baha’uddin Dagar.

While he is a a meticulous performer, he is a passionate teacher of his art as well. He is devoted to training the following generation of artists in Dhrupad. Nirmalya Dey conducts annual workshops in countries, including Europe, North America and India. He also dedicates his time to his Dhrupad Gurukul in Delhi. Where Nirmalya teaches his students on a one-to-one basis, like the age-old Guru-Shishya Parampara (tradition), he has also taught at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (Delhi) and The University of Delhi.