Musical journey: Tripura's Krishnakali Saha hits new high

From the quiet corners of Agartala to the glitz of Mumbai’s music studios, Krishnakali Saha’s remarkable journey continues to strike all the right chords. 

The gifted singer from Tripura has once again captured national attention by collaborating with Bollywood icon Sonu Nigam on the newly released duet “Pardesiya” from the film Param Sundari.

The song, already a sensation among music lovers, marks a significant career milestone for Krishnakali. But it’s just the beginning of another exciting chapter. She is now preparing to headline her first solo performance at the prestigious Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, scheduled for September 5.

Music has been Krishnakali’s constant companion since childhood. Born to Pranab and Aparna Saha in Agartala, she was introduced to classical music through her mother’s evening raga sessions. Sitting quietly beside the harmonium, young Krishnakali would mimic the melodies—an early spark that soon turned into an artistic blaze.

Recognizing her potential, her parents—both deeply rooted in Tripura’s cultural landscape—ensured she received proper training. 

Her mother enrolled her under the tutelage of the late classical maestro Nani Gopal Chakraborty, where Krishnakali’s musical foundation was firmly laid. Further training followed under veterans like Nibedita Chakraborty, Bhajan Chakraborty, and tabla wizard Shyamal Deb.

Despite her deep dive into music, Krishnakali remained academically driven. She moved to Kolkata in 2014 to pursue engineering, but her passion for music led her to juggle both worlds. In Kolkata, she refined her artistry under the mentorship of Pandit Rajeshwari Ghosh, Pandit Ashish Chakraborty, and Kalyan Sen Barat. 

Her journey as a trained classical vocalist was further enriched after relocating to Mumbai, where she pursued a postgraduate degree in Hindustani Classical Music from the University of Mumbai.

Krishnakali's big break came through reality shows. She represented Tripura on Indian Idol in 2018 and later became a familiar face on Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (2020). These appearances catapulted her into the national spotlight and opened doors for concerts across the country.

Her international credentials are equally impressive. In 2020, she performed in London as part of the critically acclaimed musical theatre production Umrao Jaan Ada. She followed it up with solo and ensemble performances in the U.S. in 2023 and 2024, gaining acclaim for her versatility and stage presence.

Krishnakali’s musicality isn’t limited to singing—she is also a talented composer. Her original track “Barkha Bahar" released by Merchant Records, was both written and composed by her, resonating deeply with audiences. 

Her voice has since featured in multiple original scores and film tracks, including a duet with Abhijeet Bhattacharya in Shukranu and a live performance alongside Hariharan—an experience she calls “life-changing.”

She has also made her mark in OTT and television, lending her voice to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi and a string of popular Hindi serials.

Now based in Mumbai and mentored by Ustad Murtuza Khan and Chandreyee Bhattacharya, Krishnakali remains grounded in her roots.