A Night Of Musical Brilliance In Austin

The Central Texas Bengali Association (CTBA) recently hosted its Annual Gala Musical Event 2025 in Austin, a grand evening that brought together music, culture, and community in unforgettable harmony.

The highlight of the night was the performance of Padma Shri Kavita Krishnamurthy, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, whose voice has touched millions across Bollywood, classical, and fusion music.

Adding unmatched depth to this extraordinary concert was Shrikant, a renowned keyboard player and music arranger, who performed along with the live band.

His artistry, refined over decades of dedication, became the musical canvas upon which Krishnamurthy’s legendary voice soared. Together with the band, Shrikant playing wove melody and rhythm into a seamless tapestry that left the audience mesmerized.

Since beginning his journey in 1995, Shrikant has established himself as one of India’s finest concert musicians.

Trained under Guru Benny Satamkar and holding a diploma in Indian classical music, he has performed across the globe—from Mumbai to Melbourne, Toronto to Trinidad—bringing both classical discipline and modern versatility to every stage.

His recording credits span languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Bengali with top labels like T-Series and Venus, and his television appearances on shows like Awaz Ki Duniya and Antakshari have further showcased his range.

Over the years, Shrikant has collaborated with some of the greatest names in Indian music—Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Himesh Reshammiya, Shaan, Suresh Wadkar, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar Mahadevan, and Kavita Krishnamurthy among them.

His live performances with prominent music directors including Himesh Reshammiya and Aadesh Shrivastava have earned him recognition as a versatile and dependable force on stage.

In Austin, his role alongside the CTBA Gala band was more than accompaniment—it was artistry at its best.

Whether lending subtle textures to ghazals or driving energy into Bollywood hits, Shrikant’s mastery on the keyboard elevated every moment of the performance.

Audiences were quick to recognize how his sensitivity and skill allowed Kavita Krishnamurthy’s timeless voice to shine even brighter, creating a dialogue of voice and instrument that resonated across the hall.

The Central Texas Bengali Association, with its vibrant community of over 800 families, has long been a cultural cornerstone in Austin.

Beyond its annual festivals and events, CTBA provides a platform that fosters art, literature, music, and philanthropy—keeping traditions alive while building meaningful cross-cultural bonds.

By presenting artists of such caliber, CTBA continues to connect generations and inspire pride in shared heritage.

The 2025 Gala was not just a concert, but a celebration of unity through music. With Kavita Krishnamurthy’s legendary voice and Shrikant’s commanding musicianship with the band, it became an evening etched in the memories of everyone present.

As the final notes faded into a thunderous ovation, one thing was certain: Shrikant’s performance reaffirmed why he is regarded as one of India’s most accomplished live musicians—an artist whose passion and finesse transcend borders, bringing audiences closer to the soul of music.