Young flautist Kunal Choudhury from Kailashahar has been selected as a Junior Scholar at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy, becoming Tripura’s first classical flautist to achieve the honour and bringing pride to the state’s cultural fraternity through his remarkable musical journey.
Young and talented flautist Kunal Choudhury from Kailashahar has brought immense pride to Tripura after being selected as a Junior Scholar at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC SRA), one of India’s leading institutions dedicated to Hindustani classical music.
Kunal’s achievement is being celebrated across the state, as he has become the first classical flautist from Tripura to earn this highly respected recognition. The selection was made through a highly competitive audition held on May 11, attended by several legendary personalities from the world of Indian classical music, including Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pandit Uday Bhawalkar, and renowned tabla maestro Suresh Talwalkar.
Expressing his happiness and gratitude, Kunal said the achievement is a matter of great honour not only for him but also for the people of Tripura. He credited his success to the blessings of his gurus, continuous hard work, and years of dedicated practice in Indian classical music.
Kunal began his musical journey under the guidance of Surajit Chakraborty before receiving 11 years of tabla training from Pallad Saha with support from a CCRT scholarship. Alongside his tabla education, he devoted himself to mastering the Indian classical flute over the last 15 years.
Currently, Kunal is undergoing advanced musical training under internationally acclaimed flautist Guru Parmanand Roy, further strengthening his foundation in Hindustani classical music.
Over the years, Kunal has earned recognition through several prestigious honours, including the International Icon Award 2025 and the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Global Icon Award 2025. His performances at various respected platforms in Kolkata and different parts of West Bengal have won appreciation from audiences and music lovers alike for his exceptional artistry and dedication.
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Kunal is the only son of Krishnendu Choudhury and Champa Choudhury. His latest accomplishment has become a proud moment not only for his family but also for Tripura’s cultural community, inspiring many young musicians across the region to pursue Indian classical music with passion and commitment.
