Bankim Sethi

🪔 About

Bankim Sethi is a distinguished Indian classical musician, renowned for his profound contributions to Odissi music. He is celebrated as a vocalist and accompanist, known for his soulful renditions and deep understanding of traditional Odissi music. Sethi has dedicated his career to promoting and preserving the Odissi art form, captivating audiences with his expressive voice and mastery over intricate ragas. His performances are recognized for their emotional depth and authenticity, bringing to life the timeless beauty of Odisha's musical traditions. For decades, Bankim Sethi has provided vocal accompaniment to Odissi dancers, touring extensively across India and internationally. He played a significant role in incorporating traditional musical forms into Odissi dance compositions during his association with the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya. Sethi has collaborated with many prominent Odissi dancers, including Sonal Mansingh, Madhavi Mudgal, Ranjana Gauhar, Geeta Mahalik, Vijayalakshmi Mohanty, and Sangeeta Dash. Born into a family of Ustads, Sethi's musical journey began early, influenced by his father and guided by his elder brother. He also received training in Hindustani music. A dedicated teacher, he emphasizes the importance of connecting younger generations with indigenous art traditions. While he used to teach many students, his increasing performance schedule led him to reduce his teaching commitments. He particularly encouraged and taught Odissi music to students from Odisha, noting a lesser interest in the form in Delhi. In recognition of his significant contributions to Indian classical music, Bankim Sethi was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2013 for Odissi Music. He is based in New Delhi, India. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2013).