Pandit Manilal Nag – Indian sitarist, an exponent of Bishnupur gharana

Pandit Manilal Nag is an Indian classical sitar player, belonging to Bishnupur gharana (Vishnupur Gharana of Bengal), a 300-year old musical lineage known for its unique blend of Dhrupad and Khayal styles. He is a recipient of the prestigious civilian honour Padma Shri in 2020 and Sangeet Natak Akademy Award in 2001. He is the son of veteran sitarist, Sangeetacharya Gokul Nag.

Manilal Nag made his first public appearance in the All India Music Conference of 1953 during his teens

Pandit Manilal was born in Bankura, present-day West Bengal on 16 August 1939 into a family of centuries old musical tradition. His family practised Bishnupur style for more than 3 centuries, the tradition known for emphasizing subtlety, melody, and deep aesthetic expression. He belongs to the fifth generation of musicians from the family. He learned to play sitar from his father, Gokul Nag who was also a popular name belonging to this gharana.

Nag made his first public appearance in the All India Music Conference of 1953 at the age of 14. He was accompanied by Samta Prasad on tabla, the artist known for his association with Bollywood music directors like S. D. Burman and R. D. Burman. From the next year, he regularly performed in National Programme of Music, Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan and many other musical concerts. He has also performed in many foreign countries like US, Australia and European nations too.

In 2005 he got associated with Instrumental Music Division of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy

After performing sitar in India and different countries for many decades, he joined Instrumental Music Division of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in 2005. He was associated with the division until 2011.

Manilal’s performance is known for its clarity, lyrical phrasing, and adherence to traditional raga structure. He also integrates complex taans and meends in his performances. He has also released numerous discs over the years. His daughter Mita Nag is his successor, who now proudly represents the sixth-generation sitar player from the musical family.