NILADRI KUMAR, the son and disciple of Sitar Maestro Pandit Kartick Kumar, is a maverick musician. He started learning the sitar at the tender age of four and did his first public performance at the age of six. Hailed as one of the more serious young exponents of Indian Classical Music, Niladri's flashes of unparalleled brilliance is a result of years of learning and a lineage of five generation of sitar players. This has led to a profound understanding of the artistic aspects & nuances of diverse gharana styles and a mastery of technical skill.

An orthodox among the traditional and optimistically fearless among the creative, Niladri is a rare instrumentalist with an unique musical repertoire, innovative skills and the dexterity of swift, agile fingers. Be it at his Indian Classical Music Recitals or his World Music Concerts, he can almost immediately mesmerise the orthodox as well as progressive music lovers with an uncanny ability to strike an instant rapport with the audience that transcends all age barriers. He sincerely attempts to infuse interest and respect for Indian Classical Music in the younger generation.

In March 2007, Niladri won the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi's “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” for Instrumental Hindustani Music. “The Sanskriti Award”, “The Jadubhatta Puraskar” and “The MTV IMMIES for the Best Classical/Fusion Instrumental Album” for his album 'IF', are some of the other awards he has won besides having valued titles like “Shanmukha Shree” & “Surmani” to his credit.

Having received rave reviews for his magnificent performances at Concerts the world over, or his immense talent featured in 10 international music albums, Niladri, is considered one of his generations brightest stars with a career that promises to be illustrious and innovative