Tarapada Chakraborty
Tarapada Chakraborty (April 1, 1909 – September 1, 1975) was an Indian classical vocalist. He was born in Kotalipara, Faridpur, Bengal Presidency (now in Bangladesh) to a Vedic Brahmin family. He is known for the "khyal" and "thumri" forms of singing, as well as for his popular renditions of "Raagpradhans". He is the pioneer of the Kotali Gharana which is best known for its slow rendition of alap while presenting a raga. He was the first Indian classical artiste to have presented any Raaga in 48-beats vilambit format, which is considered to be a difficult rendition in itself . He is the creator of Raaga Chhaya Hindol and Navamalaka. In 1972, he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship the highest honour conferred by Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama. He was the recipient of State Academy Award from Rabindra Bharati University in 1972.