Chandrika Tandon, born Chandrika Krishnamurthy in 1954 in Chennai, India, is a renowned businesswoman, philanthropist, and Grammy-winning musician. She is best known for being the first Indian-American woman to become a partner at McKinsey & Company, her $100 million donation to New York University, and her success in the New Age and world music genre.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Tandon won her first Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her project Triveni, a collaboration with South African flutist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese-American cellist Eru Matsumoto. This win marked a historic milestone in her career, blending ancient chants with contemporary musical elements to create a meditative and healing experience.
In this article, we will explore Chandrika Tandon’s biography, age, height, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.
Chandrika Tandon Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon |
| Stage Name | Chandrika Tandon |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Vocalist, Composer |
| Hometown | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
| Date of Birth | 1954 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 70–71 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Not Publicly Known |
| Education | Madras Christian College, IIM Ahmedabad |
| Years Active | 1992–present (Business), 2009–present (Music) |
| Spouse | Ranjan Tandon |
| Children | Lita Tandon |
| Notable Relatives | Indra Nooyi (Sister) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $200 Million |
Early Life and Education
Chandrika Tandon was born into a conservative Tamil Brahmin family in Chennai, India, alongside her sister Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. Her father was a state banker, while her mother was a musician, which exposed her to Carnatic and Vedic music at an early age.
Tandon faced traditional societal expectations, with her family initially intending for her to marry at 18. However, she fought for higher education, even going on a hunger strike to convince her mother to let her attend Madras Christian College.
She later pursued an MBA at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, becoming one of only eight women in her class. Initially interested in law, she switched to business and finance, which set the foundation for her highly successful corporate career.
Career Journey
Business Career: Breaking Barriers in Corporate America
- After graduating from IIM Ahmedabad in 1975, Tandon joined Citibank in Beirut, working there during the Lebanese Civil War.
- In 1979, she moved to New York City, joining McKinsey & Company and became the first Indian-American woman to be elected a partner.
- In 1992, she founded Tandon Capital Associates, advising top financial firms including Bank of America, Chase Manhattan, and Rabobank.
Her business expertise and financial acumen made her a respected figure in corporate America, allowing her to transition into philanthropy and music.
Philanthropy: Giving Back to Education and the Arts
Chandrika Tandon has been an active philanthropist, focusing on education, arts, and community building.
- In 2015, she and her husband Ranjan Tandon donated $100 million to New York University (NYU), leading to the renaming of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
- She has funded multiple educational institutions, including her alma mater Madras Christian College and Yale University.
- She founded the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation, supporting arts, spirituality, and education.
Tandon also serves as a trustee for NYU Langone Health, the American India Foundation, and the New York Academy of Sciences.
Musical Career: Grammy Recognition & Spiritual Soundscapes
Tandon’s music career began as a personal passion project, inspired by her mother’s love for music. She trained in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western classical music, creating a fusion of ancient Sanskrit chants with modern sounds.
Key Albums & Achievements
- Soul Call (2009) – A spiritual album featuring the mantra “Om Namo Narayanaya”, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.
- Soul March (2013) – Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March, incorporating Latin, jazz, and Hindustani music.
- Shivoham – The Quest (2017) – A blend of Sanskrit prayers and English verses, recorded across four continents.
- Ammu’s Treasures (2023) – A children’s music album that won a Gold Medal at the Global Music Awards.
- Triveni (2024) – A Grammy-winning album blending Indian chants, South African flute, and Japanese cello melodies, emphasizing peace and healing.
2025 Grammy Win: Triveni’s Historic Recognition
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Chandrika Tandon won Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for Triveni, created in collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto.
Expressing gratitude, Tandon stated:
“Music is love, music ignites the light within all of us, and, even in our darkest days, music spreads joy and laughter.”
Dressed in a traditional silk salwar suit, Tandon embraced her Indian heritage on the Grammy stage, calling Triveni a:
“True confluence of three artistic spirits united in a higher purpose of music for healing.”
This win solidified her position as a pioneering Indian-origin artist in global music.
Chandrika Tandon Net Worth & Income Sources (2025 Updated)
With her success in business, philanthropy, and music, Chandrika Tandon has built an estimated net worth of $200 million.
Her income sources include:
- Corporate Ventures – Founder of Tandon Capital Associates.
- Educational Contributions – Major donor to NYU, Yale, and IIM Ahmedabad.
- Music Career – Grammy-winning albums and global performances.
- Philanthropy & Foundations – Investments in education, arts, and spirituality.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $200M |
| Primary Income | Business, Philanthropy, Music |
| Corporate Ventures | Tandon Capital Associates |
| Major Donations | $100M to NYU, Funding for Yale & MCC |
Lesser-Known Facts About Chandrika Tandon
- She was initially meant to be married at 18, but she fought for higher education instead.
- She was one of only eight women in her IIM Ahmedabad MBA class.
- She was the first Indian-American woman to become a partner at McKinsey & Co.
- She recorded her first album as a birthday gift for her father-in-law.
- Her Grammy-winning album Triveni was inspired by her belief in music’s ability to heal.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.
