Discover Indian Music & Culture @ Central San Antonio Public Library

Sitarist Indrajit Banerjee is a leading exponent of the Maihar Gharana, hailing from a family of Hindustani Classical musicians including his guru, Pandit Kartick Kumar. His training began with his grandfather, Bankim Kumar Pal, and continued with Pandit Manilal Nag before intensive study with Pandit Kartick Kumar. This diverse training fostered his unique sitar style, blending technical virtuosity with sensitivity.

An A-grade artist for All India Radio and Doordarshan, and approved by I.C.C.R, Indrajit has received numerous accolades like the Gokul Nag Memorial Medal and “Sur Mani”. He was recognized as a Veteran (Pandit) at Parangotsava-2007.

He holds a Sangeet Bibhakar and Arts degree from Calcutta University and has performed globally. Indrajit is also a dedicated educator, teaching at Rhythm and Raag in Chicago and Samhati in France, with highly acclaimed instructional DVDs.

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Subrata, a highly accomplished tabla player, is a leading figure in Indian classical music. Renowned for his command of the tabla and deep understanding of classical music, he is a sought-after accompanist for top classical exponents.

Subrata has performed extensively at prestigious venues worldwide, captivating audiences across India, the USA, the Middle East, and Europe. His impressive performance history includes the Dover Lane Music Conference, ITC Sangeet Sammelan, and the National Center for Performing Arts, Mumbai, among many others.

Beyond classical music, Subrata explores fusion, leading his group “Naad – The Everlasting Sound” which blends Eastern, Middle Eastern, and Western musical styles. He is also a founding member of the Chicago-based Indo-jazz band, Flat Earth Ensemble.

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Rhythmics School of Kathak Dance is dedicated to providing authentic Kathak instruction, fostering a love for culture, tradition, and the performing arts. Officially affiliated with Sur Sangam, School of Dance and Music, of Assam, India, the school offers high-standard training and opportunities for students to earn recognized certifications. Rhythmics actively bridges cultures through storytelling, music, and dance, utilizing Kathak to explore collaborations, address social issues, and promote community integration.

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Dr. Tamanna O’Dea, lead instructor/artistic director

Tamanna’s dance journey began at the age of 6, when she received the majority of her formal training in Kathak under the guidance of Guru Malabika Guha. A lifelong student of dance, she is currently advancing her Kathak training with Guru Marami Medhi. Her versatility extends beyond Kathak, with experience in Bengali Tagore and folk dancing, flamenco, step, hip-hop, belly dancing, and a love for a good Zumba class! She has choreographed large-scale productions on stages across the country. In addition to her passion for dance, Tamanna is a practicing ophthalmologist, a military veteran, and a devoted wife and mother of three. Outside the studio, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and fitness, embracing life with creativity and balance.

Dr. Lopita Nath, lead instructor/artistic director

Lopita is a native of Assam, India. Her dance career started with Manipuri and Kathak at the age of 5. She is currently training under Guru Marami Medhi, a Kathak exponent from Assam. She is also experienced in semi-classical and creative dance forms and folk forms, such as Bihu and Jhumur from Assam.  Lopita is professor and chair of the History Department and Director of the Asian Studies program at the University of the Incarnate Word. She coordinates the UIW Bollywood Dance team. She enjoys traveling, reading, and healthy living.