A Harmonious Journey from Engineering to Musical Mastery

Pandit Sugato Nag, an internationally acclaimed sitar virtuoso, has carved a unique path that bridges the worlds of engineering and music. His journey began at the age of eight under the guidance of his guru, Pandit Buddha Devdas Guptaji. While his early passion for the sitar was shaped by the rich musical traditions of India, he also pursued a degree in production engineering from Kolkata’s Jadavpur University, balancing both worlds for several years. Despite his successful involvement in his family’s manufacturing business, music remained his true calling. His innovative style, which blends Gayaki (vocal) elements with powerful Sarod techniques, has earned him widespread recognition. In this article, Pandit Sugato Nag reflects on how his engineering background helped refine his technical mastery of the sitar, and how his performances emphasize emotion over mere speed, aiming to touch the hearts of his listeners. BIZWEEK exclusively brings to you the story of a man who embodies the perfect harmony of art and science. 

Editorial Content: Rudy Veeramundar | Photography: Sejas Mistry 

Renowned for his soulful sitar performances, Pandit Sugato Nag, the sitar virtuoso, has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of classical Indian traditions and innovative musical techniques. However, few are aware that his path to stardom began in an unlikely field: engineering. In a recent interview during his visit to Mauritius, the maestro shared insights into his dual journey of excelling in both music and engineering, and how these seemingly different worlds have shaped his life.

Pandit Sugato Nag’s introduction to music came early. “My family was always musically inclined. My mother was a singer, and my father, who learned the sarod, was a close friend of my guru, Pandit Buddhadev Das Gupta Ji,” the sitar maestro recalled. At the age of eight, he began learning the sitar under his guru’s guidance, a pivotal moment that set him on a path of lifelong dedication. “It wasn’t my choice to pick up the sitar, but once I did, there was no looking back.”

A single note, played with the right emotion, can move people to tears.

Despite his growing love for music, the virtuoso didn’t initially set out to become a professional musician. Following in the footsteps of his father, Pandit Sugato Nag pursued a degree in production engineering from Kolkata’s Jadavpur University. “I studied production engineering, which is essentially industrial engineering. I worked in my family’s manufacturing business, which produced mechanical measuring instruments and special fasteners,” the sitar virtuoso said, fondly recalling his engineering background.

Chandrayaan moon mission

Interestingly, his engineering business even had a connection to space exploration. “We manufactured a special type of fastener that was used in the Chandrayaan moon mission,” the maestro shared with pride. These fasteners were designed to strengthen threads in soft materials like aluminium, providing increased durability. “It’s amazing to think that something we made might have made its way to the moon,” he added.

While his work in the family business was fulfilling, music remained Pandit Sugato Nag’s true calling. Balancing both professions for several years, the sitar virtuoso finally made the decision to pursue music full-time, though he continues to be involved in the business. “I still look after the business, but my involvement is nominal now,” he explained, crediting his family’s support for allowing him to focus on his music career. 

This unique combination of engineering and music has shaped his approach to his craft. Explaining how his engineering mind-set aids in his music, he states, “I repair my own sitar and make adjustments myself. This gives me confidence in how the sitar will sound. I can control every aspect, from the instrument’s structure to its final output on stage.” 

His hands-on approach has allowed him to customize his instrument to suit his evolving style, combining Gayaki (vocal) style sitar playing with powerful Sarod techniques – a signature blend that defines his performances.

In this interview with the editor-in-chief of BIZWEEK, in Mauritius, Pandit Sugato Nag reflected on his musical influences and the diverse traditions that have shaped his style. “My guru was very open-minded and encouraged me to learn from different Gharanas (schools of music),” he said. His greatest influence came from Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib of the Etawah Gharana, whose Gayaki style emphasized playing the sitar as if it were a human voice. His guru introduced him to recordings of Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib performances, allowing him to meticulously study and absorb the intricacies of the style. “My music is a blend of Gayaki style and Sarod techniques. The powerful right-hand Sarod strokes, mixed with the expressive Gayaki elements, create something unique,” the maestro explained.

It’s amazing to think that something we made might have made its way to the moon.

Despite his technical brilliance, Pandit Sugato Nag’s performances are rooted in emotion. He stresses that music, particularly classical Indian music, is not about showcasing speed or technical prowess. “When you’re young, you focus on playing fast to impress the audience. But as you mature, you realize that music should touch the heart,” he said. “A single note, played with the right emotion, can move people to tears.”

Pandit Sugato Nag’s performance at the Caudan Arts Centre, organized by the Bengali Association of Mauritius, exemplified this philosophy. The acoustics of the venue played a critical role in delivering an immersive experience for the audience. “The sound (at Caudan Arts Centre) was so beautiful during our soundcheck that it gave me goosebumps,” the maestro recalled. “When the sound is good, you can focus on every nuance of the performance, ensuring that each note resonates with the audience.”

His connection to the Bengali Association in Mauritius added a special significance to his visit. “It’s an honour to perform for the Bengali community abroad. Bengali culture, particularly Rabindranath Tagore’s work, has deeply influenced my music,” said the sitar maestro. He hinted that some of his compositions inspired by Tagore’s songs were indeed on the program for his concert.

Pandit Sugato Nag’s journey from the world of engineering to becoming one of India’s leading sitar players is a testament to his versatility and passion. As he continues to perform around the world, his dedication to preserving classical Indian music while embracing innovation remains unwavering. “Music is universal,” concluded the maestro. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak – good music touches everyone.”