For centuries, Indian classical music has been considered as one of the most complex and complete music systems that ever existed. Very few musicians have been able to master its various facets of divinity and effectiveness, among them is vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty from Bengal. We chat with the artist on her visit to Mumbai for a performance at the tenth edition of NCPA’s Bandish festival.

Daughter of veteran Hindustani classical vocalist Pt Ajoy Chakraborty, Kaushiki is much more than just a classical singer. In her illustrious career, she has lent her voice to a number of Hindi, Bengali and South Indian films. Her song Lagi Lagi with MTV Coke Studio has been a monumental hit across India and Pakistan. She had also collaborated with film composer Shantanu Moitra for his album Song of the Himalayas.

“I do all my projects with utmost happiness. I haven’t done any project to make a difference, but because I believed and connected with them. I have enjoyed different types of collaborations and I want to learn from all my associations,” says Kaushiki, who will be performing a few Bandishes — melodic compositions of morning and afternoon ragas.

The 38-year-old has charmed global audiences with her Khayal (Imagination) singing. The North Indian classical vocal genre Khayal demands a great understanding of raga and an ability to improvise, all while remaining within the confines of a particular raga. And being the torchbearer of the Patiala gharana tradition that was popularised by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Kaushiki feels that her learning has been in phases.