In the middle of this materialistic world, music can help people slow down and reconnect with their own self and find meaning in life.
Dr. Rajnandini was born on 10 October 1986 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Her musical journey began in early childhood under Dr. Pushplata Chaturwadi, lecturer at BAK Inter College, Moradabad and a respected Hindustani classical vocalist. For eight formative years, Dr. Rajnandini trained within the Guru–Shishya parampara, developing a deep grounding in sur, laya, voice culture, and raaga aesthetics.
Blessed with an exceptional natural aptitude for music, Dr. Rajnandini pursued formal studies in Music and Literature at Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, where she graduated with highest distinction. She then completed her M.A. and M.Phil in Hindustani Classical Music at the Faculty of Music & Fine Arts, Delhi University, earning top academic recognition both at Miranda House and the University. During this period, she received the prestigious UGC National Talent Search Fellowship for her outstanding artistic and scholarly merit.
Under the mentorship of eminent musicologist Late Prof. Sushil Kumar Saxena, Dr. Rajnandini deepened her study of aesthetics and philosophy. Her M.Phil research, Conception of the Moods of Raagas, explored the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of raagas. In 2018, she earned her PhD from Delhi University for her thesis Vartmaan Sandarbh Meī Sangeet Ka Adhyātmik Paksh (The Spiritual Dimension of Music in the Contemporary Context). Her academic work has been published in UGC-approved journals including Vageshwari and Naad Nartan.
Alongside her academic achievements, Dr. Rajnandini trained extensively with Late Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan of the Delhi Gharana for eight years. She also had the rare opportunity to learn and perform with the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, enriching her understanding of Kathak and the expressive dimensions of Indian arts. She continues her advanced training under Vidushi Uma Garg of the Kirana Gharana, refining her approach to voice culture, raaga interpretation, and emotive expression.
Dr. Rajnandini’s artistic style spans Khayal, Thumri, and Bhajan. Her raaga presentations and soulful devotional singing are widely appreciated for their depth, clarity, and spiritual resonance. Audiences often describe her voice as meditative and transformative.
Dr. Rajnandini has performed extensively across India and Europe. Notable performances include:
• Jaipur Literature Festival
• Valladolid (Spain)
• Casa Asia, Barcelona
• Milan Sol Festival (Italy)
• Goya Theatre, Barcelona – invited by Mon Adivasi Fundació for “Trenant Veus”
• Embassy of India events including Andorra
• Numerous solo concerts across Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and Switzerland
Now based in Barcelona, Spain, Dr. Rajnandini continues to perform, collaborate, and present classical music in both traditional and contemporary contexts. She is also a dedicated educator, conducting lecture-demonstrations, workshops, and regular training sessions for a growing community of students in Barcelona. Through her work, she preserves and shares the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music with audiences around the world.