Chandrika Tandon, sister of Indra Nooyi, nominated for Grammy

Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon, the sister of Pepsico chief Indra Nooyi, has made it to the list of Grammy probables in the Best Contemporary World Music Album category for this year.

The lesser known sibling of Nooyi, is herself a well-known financial and managerial wizard with years of experience in the corporate corridors. But it is for her musical qualities that the world has woken up to and began noticing her.

Tandon's work Om Namo Narayanaya: Soul Call, which features Sanskrit chants, will compete against works by four other musicians including the well known composer, Bela Fleck.

She has done the vocals and composition for the album and the orchestral arrangements are done by Tejendra Narayan Majumdar and Snehasish Majumdar. The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on February 13.

Chandrika , at present, is the chairman of US-based financial advisory firm, Tandon Capital Associates Inc.

A classical singer and an alumni of Madras Christian College, she has learnt music from classical singer Shubhra Guha and is currently under the tutelage of vocalist Girish Wazalwar. She has trained in both Carnatic and Hindustani styles.

Chandrika said that the nomination was an unexpected gift. “My sister and family are really excited about this,” she told The Sunday Express.

Ms Tandon said, she owed a lot to her supportive family, and had a list of people — starting with her mother — who have inspired her music.

She said her album drew from “the ancient Vedic tradition” to connect with the present world. She added that her soul chant music fan page on Facebook had now over 13,000 fans in the interview to the Indian daily.

She said music for her is a spiritual experience and she has been influenced by all styles. For her music should be simple and hummable.

Tandon lives in New York with husband Ranjan Tandon, who himself runs a finance company. Daughter Lita, is a Yale graduate and works in Washington.
This is not Chandrika’s first album, she has another called “Om Nam Shivaya” to her credit.