Indian-American business leader and musician Chandrika Tandon has secured a historic win at the 67th Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles. Tandon, 71, took home the prestigious golden gramophone for her album “Triveni” in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category.
The album, a mesmerizing blend of ancient Vedic chants with world music, was a collaborative effort featuring South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. It was designed as a meditative journey aimed at promoting inner healing, a concept that Tandon deeply resonates with.
Chandrika Tandon Wins Big at the Grammy Awards 2025 with ‘Triveni’
Accepting the award on stage, Tandon expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Music ignites the light within us, spreading joy even in our darkest days.”
A Journey Rooted in Tradition and Excellence
From Chennai to Global Recognition
Chandrika Tandon’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Raised in a traditional Tamil Brahmin household in Chennai, Tandon was deeply influenced by the Samaveda teachings and the rich Carnatic music heritage of her family. Her early exposure to these sacred chants paved the way for her passion for music, which she later combined with her business acumen to make a global impact.
Her younger sister, Indra Nooyi, is a household name in the corporate world, having led PepsiCo as its CEO for 12 years and being consistently ranked among the most powerful women in business. However, Chandrika Tandon carved out her own path, becoming the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey and later establishing Tandon Capital Associates, a New York-based firm specializing in institutional restructuring.
A Philanthropist and Patron of the Arts
Apart from her business ventures, Tandon is a renowned philanthropist. In 2015, she and her husband Ranjan Tandon donated $100 million to the New York University School of Engineering, which was subsequently renamed the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Her deep involvement in education, music, and culture reflects her commitment to giving back to society.
‘Triveni’ – A Musical Confluence of Cultures
The Grammy-winning album “Triveni”, which means “confluence of three rivers” in Sanskrit, symbolizes the fusion of three distinct musical traditions. The collaboration between Tandon, Wouter Kellerman, and Eru Matsumoto brought together the essence of Indian, African, and Japanese musical influences, making it a truly global masterpiece.
This album is not Tandon’s first Grammy recognition. In 2010, she was nominated for her album “Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call”, which showcased her ability to blend devotion with contemporary soundscapes.
Interestingly, this year, Tandon was nominated alongside Indian-origin artists Ricky Kej, sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar, and British-Indian musician Radhika Vekaria. While Shankar, who has now amassed 11 Grammy nominations, once again missed out on a win, her half-sister Norah Jones secured the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album award for “Visions.”
Star-Studded Grammy Night in Los Angeles
The 67th Grammy Awards was a spectacular night, celebrating musical brilliance across genres. Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the event was not only an awards show but also served as a fundraiser for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Held at the Peacock Theater, the ceremony featured electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Beyoncé Reigns Supreme with 11 Nominations
The night saw Beyoncé leading the nominations with 11 mentions for her latest album, “Cowboy Carter.” Despite being the most awarded artist in Grammy history with 32 career wins, she is yet to claim the Album of the Year trophy, a category she was once again nominated for.
Other Notable Nominees and Winners
- Sabrina Carpenter bagged Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit song “Espresso” and Best Pop Album for “Short n’ Sweet.”
- Kendrick Lamar won Best Rap Performance for his viral track “Not Like Us.”
- Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Charli XCX were among the top contenders of the night.
A Tribute to Quincy Jones
A special tribute was dedicated to the legendary Quincy Jones, celebrating his unparalleled contribution to the music industry. The segment featured performances from multiple artists honoring his legacy.
Jimmy Carter Wins Posthumous Grammy
A particularly emotional moment of the night was when the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was honored with a posthumous Grammy for his narration of “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration.”
The audiobook, which includes recordings of his final Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church in Georgia, won in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording.
Where to Watch the Grammys in India
For Indian audiences, the 67th Grammy Awards was available for streaming on the Recording Academy’s official YouTube channel and live.GRAMMY.com.
The event was broadcast at 2:00 AM IST for the pre-show and 6:30 AM IST for the main telecast.
A Night of Music, Triumph, and Inspiration
The 67th Grammy Awards was a night to remember, filled with groundbreaking wins, unforgettable performances, and emotional speeches. Chandrika Tandon’s victory serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs alike, proving that passion and perseverance can bridge the gap between corporate boardrooms and Grammy stages.
As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing remains certain—great music transcends borders, languages, and backgrounds, just as Tandon’s Grammy-winning album “Triveni” so beautifully exemplifies.
More Grammy Highlights
- Best New Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Pop Vocal Album: “Short n’ Sweet” – Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Rock Album: “Hackney Diamonds” – The Rolling Stones
- Best Rap Album: “Alligator Bites Never Heal” – Doechii
- Best Country Album: “Cowboy Carter” – Beyoncé
For a full list of winners, visit the official Grammy website or stay updated with the Recording Academy’s latest announcements.
🎶 Music is a universal language, and at the 67th Grammy Awards, Chandrika Tandon spoke it fluently—through tradition, collaboration, and soul-stirring melodies. 🎶
