Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty is one of India's top classical vocalists who has provided enormous inspiration for younger generation Indian musicians around the world. Born in Kolkota (formerly spelt Calcutta) in 1952, it is said by his elders that as a child, he could sing even before he could speak. His father, Ajit Chakrabarty, trained him in music from an early age before assigning his musical education to various maestros including, Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh, Kanai Das Bairagi and, most famously, Ustad Munawar Ali Khan, son of the late Patiala gharana (style) legend Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. It is this Patiala hallmark that is generally considered the most formative influence in Chakrabarty's music and many fans and critics consider him to be the true torch-bearer of this style. For this reason, he is as popular in Pakistan as he is in India and became the first Indian classical vocalist to be invited to perform across the border.
 
He has won numerous awards including the President's Award for "Best Male Playback Singer" in the 37th National Film Festival a first for a classical singer, since film music awards tend to be reserved for singers of lighter styles.
 
He is also renowned for combining musical talent with an exceptional academic ability and is the author of the book "Shrutinandan" which takes its name from the school he has founded in Calcutta where musical talent (among all age-groups) is nurtured and trained.
 
Ajoy Chakrabarty is also largely responsible for the musical training and grooming of his daughter, Kaushiki, who is now an outstanding, world-famous Indian classical vocalist in her own right.
 
On this double-album "Kamala", Chakrabarty begins with a full recital of Raag Abhogi, which has, relatively recently, made its way into the North Indian repertoire from Karnatic (South Indian) music. Although there no specific musical similarities, Raag Abhogi does suggest shades of Raag Bageshri. On the second disc he moves on to Raag Pahadi (suggestive of cold, mountainous landscapes) an all-time favourite of the Patiala gharana and made enormously popular by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. From the Pahadi composition "sajanwa kab aaogey" he moves seamlessly into the mantra (chant) "Hari Om Tatsat" another memorable Bade Ghulam Ali Khan number.