Queens-raised, Bangladeshi-born singer Shantoneel Dhar is making waves with his unique blend of traditional South Asian music and contemporary sounds–both in the United States and in Bangladesh.

Shantoneel's music is a testament to the power of cultural fusion. He seamlessly weaves together the rich tapestry of Indian and Bangla musical traditions with modern influences, creating a sound that is both captivating and emotive. 

His repertoire spans a diverse range of genres, including Hindi and pop, devotional bhajans and soulful ghazals, semi-classical and folk melodies, Sufi mysticism, and traditional Bangla songs.

This versatility is rooted in years of dedicated training. Starting at the age of four, under the guidance of his mother, Shantoneel embarked on a musical journey that led him to study with esteemed gurus like Pandit Ramkanai Das, Waheedul Haque, and Pandit Ramesh Misra. 

He also received valuable insights from legendary figures like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Manna Dey, Subir Nandi, and Acharya Sanjay Chakraborty, further enriching his artistic vision and deepening his connection to his heritage.

Shantoneel's exceptional talent was recognized early on. Between 1989 and 1991, he garnered numerous national awards in Bangladesh, including the prestigious Anannya Award for outstanding achievement in Rabindra Sangeet, presented by Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Shammilon Parishod.

He further cemented his place in musical history by becoming the first North American singer invited to perform in Bangladesh as a paid guest artist – a significant milestone in his career.

Why Shanoneel’s music is unique?

Rooted deeply in South Asian culture, Shantoneel's music seamlessly blends modern instrumentation and diverse influences, creating a sound that resonates with a wide array of audiences.

He views music as a lifelong journey of learning and is dedicated to crafting beautiful, transformative experiences for his listeners. Passionate about connecting with people through his art, Shantoneel enjoys sharing his music far and wide.

His discography includes his debut album, Tomari Jharna Tolar Nirjoney, released in 1999 by Muktadhara NY. He followed this with two albums in June 2013: Amar Mukti, a collection of Rabindra Sangeet, and Upohaar, featuring original compositions, both of which are available on Spotify.

As Shantoneel’s musical journey continues to evolve, he explores new sonic landscapes, drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences including 90s hip-hop, roots reggae, dancehall, Middle Eastern music, Western classical and pop, as well as various Latin forms and South Asian traditions like Bangla folk, ghazals, bhajans, Shayama Sangeet, and Indian classical music.

His ability to embrace and integrate these diverse genres reflects his profound passion for music in all its forms, forging a unique path in music production.

Gaan Mela: An innovative record label

This spirit of innovation and cross-cultural exploration is embodied in Gaan Mela, Shantoneel's newly launched production company and record label.

Gaan Mela aims to revolutionize the music industry with its progressive vision and commitment to showcasing exceptional talent across a wide array of genres. Dedicated to nurturing artistic growth and pushing creative boundaries, Gaan Mela provides a platform for both emerging and established artists.

The company will produce and distribute captivating content, including music, films, and live events, by seamlessly blending traditional and digital media.

A dedicated YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Gaanmela001) will feature a diverse range of musical genres, styles, and languages, while an upcoming website promises to be a vibrant hub for musical discovery and a global platform for talented artists.

In celebration of Kali Puja, Gaan Mela is excited to announce its inaugural music release on October 31st. The song, titled "Maa Go," is a mesmerizing Shyama Sangeet written and composed by Shantoneel, with arrangements by Avijit Jitu.

This debut release will also include a stunning music video produced by Paper Plane Films, offering an unforgettable audio-visual experience that beautifully fuses traditional and contemporary elements.

"Gaan Mela represents our passion for creative expression, our dedication to artistic innovation, and our mission to share the beauty of Bangla music with the world," says Shantoneel.

"We are thrilled to offer a platform for talented artists to present their work and entertain audiences globally, fostering a bridge between cultures through the universal language of music."

In addition to his musical pursuits, Shantoneel has built a successful career in software technology, spanning over 25 years. He is an active supporter of Optimists, an organization focused on improving children's education in Bangladesh, and serves as a board member for the South Asian Women Project (www.southasianwomenproject.org), which aids Bangladeshi victims of domestic violence living abroad.

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