Nandini & Ragini Shankar – Taraana Ensemble
Taraana Ensemble, led by the dynamic violinist duo Nandini and Ragini Shankar, celebrates life through an exquisite blend of tradition and modernity. The sisters craft a unique sound that fuses the timelessness of Indian classical music with the cutting-edge production of the 21st century, showcasing their virtuosic violin interplay. Their debut album, “Taraana,” released in 2023 under Decca Records US, embodies this vision, brought to life in collaboration with GRAMMY®-nominated producer Nick Patrick and acclaimed songwriter Amy Wadge.
Joining them for the Taraana Ensemble are the exceptional talents of Kahaan Shah and Tanay Rege, adding vibrant rhythms and global textures to their performances.
Meet the Artists
- Nandini & Ragini Shankar – Violinists
As eighth-generation musicians from the illustrious Shankar family, Nandini and Ragini were trained from the age of 3 under their grandmother Padmabhushan Dr. N. Rajam and mother Dr. Sangeeta Shankar, both legendary violinists. Together, they perform North Indian classical music, uniting three generations on the same instrument, a testament to their family’s legacy.
- Kahaan Shah – Music Producer, Percussionist
A graduate of KM College of Music & Technology, Kahaan brings a contemporary edge to the ensemble. Skilled in Tabla, Doumbek, Djembe, and Cajon, he has composed jingles for Reliance Jio and Hallmark Suits and contributed themes for Netflix and UK podcasts. Kahaan’s collaborations with A.R. Rahman, Rashid Ali, and Kavita Seth enrich his percussion with versatility and innovation.
- Tanay Rege – Tabla Artist
A B-High grade Tabla artist, Tanay trained under Pt. Yogesh Samsi and holds a Master’s in Music. With performances at major festivals and international stages like Esplanade Singapore and The Venice Biennale, he adds classical precision to the ensemble. His contributions to films such as Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani and global teaching initiatives reflect his dedication to rhythm and music.
Nandini & Ragini Shankar: A Legacy of Excellence
The Taraana Ensemble is anchored by Nandini and Ragini’s global influence and achievements:
Global Impact
The sisters have performed extensively across India, gracing prestigious festivals such as:
- Sawai Gandharva Music Festival, Pune
- Saptak Festival, Ahmedabad
- Doverlane Music Conference, Kolkata
- Mahashivratri, Isha Foundation
Their international performances span the USA, UK, Switzerland, France, and more, with highlights including:
- Carnegie Hall, New York
- Theatre de la Ville, Paris
- The Esplanade, Singapore
- The Venice Biennale, Italy
- Europalia Festival, Belgium
Awards and Recognition
The duo has earned accolades including:
- Jashn-e-Youngistan Award (presented by the Vice-President of India)
- Aditya Birla Kala Kiran Award
- Jaya Smriti Award (presented by Hema Malini)
Musical Collaborations
As ambassadors of innovation in Indian classical music, Nandini and Ragini have collaborated with:
- French composer Thierry Pecou on “Sangata“
- Lyricist Irshad Kamil for “The Ink Band“
- Their mother Dr. Sangeeta Shankar on “inStrings“
Teaching and Legacy
Passionate about sharing their craft, the sisters teach at the Rajam School of Violin and have inspired students globally. They strive to make classical music accessible while innovating for the modern listener, embodying their philosophy: Indian at heart, global in spirit.
The Taraana Ensemble, supported by Kahaan and Tanay, reimagines Indian music with virtuosity, soul, and contemporary flair, creating a timeless and joyous experience for audiences worldwide.