1 month ago
Cyrus Tata: Kolkata's Versatile Music Legend
Cyrus Tata is a talented guitarist from Kolkata who has made a big impact on the city's music scene.
He started playing guitar as a kid and quickly became part of famous bands and orchestras.
He worked with many well-known musicians and even helped with movies.
Cyrus played many types of music, from rock to traditional Indian songs.
He also taught music and made meditation music.
Even though he's not as famous as some others, the people he worked with think he's amazing.
Now, he plays music just for fun and enjoys gypsy jazz.
Cyrus Tata began his musical journey in Kolkata, influenced by rock and roll and the Beatles.
He collaborated with Ananda Shankar and the Ananda Shankar Orchestra, contributing to film soundtracks like Calcutta 71.
Tata was part of the rock band High Noon and later formed The Sound with Usha Uthup.
He played a key role in blending rock with traditional Indian music, including Rabindrasangeet.
Tata also worked in film distribution and taught guitar at the Calcutta School of Music.
- Who
- Cyrus Tata, a Parsi guitarist and musician from Kolkata
- What
- His career and contributions to Kolkata's music and film scenes
- Where
- Primarily in Kolkata, India, with international tours and collaborations
- When
- From the 1970s to the present, with significant milestones in the 1970s and 1980s
- Why
- To explore his passion for music, collaborate with notable artists, and contribute to the cultural scene
Key facts
- Full Name
- Cyrus Tata
- Birth Year
- 1952
- Primary Instruments
- Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Slide Guitar
- Notable Collaborations
- Ananda Shankar, Usha Uthup, Mrinal Sen
- Education
- La Martinière School, St Xavier’s College, Calcutta
- Notable Bands
- High Noon, The Sound
- Current Pursuits
- Gypsy Jazz, Meditation Music
- Legacy
- Pioneer of Rock and Rabindrasangeet Fusion in Kolkata
Quotes
Tanusree Shankar
Dancer-choreographer and wife of Ananda Shankar
“He is an underrated madhatter. He has a fantastic ear…He possesses a rare combination of unique style, creative originality, and a thoughtful approach to fitting ideas into song arrangements. No flash. No overplaying. It requires a lot of musical maturity.”
scroll.in
“Cyrus is who I would call a consummate musician. I have always had a lot of respect for his style of playing. There were times I felt nobody could strum the guitar the way he did.”
scroll.in










