A. Kanan Biography 
A. Kanan was a Hindustani vocalist from Chennai, who lived during the period, 18 June 1920 - 12 September 2004. His full name is Arkut Kannabhiran. He was a regular performer on the All India Radio and was counted among top graded artists. In the 1950s, along with other musicians, Kanan founded the Calcutta Music Circle, which gave opportunity to many young students to learn Hindustani music and pursue a career in the field of music.
Arkut Kannabhiran was born in Chennai during British rule in the year 1920. During his childhood days he was passionate about music and cricket. Later he pursued a career in music. But cricket remained his personal best hobby. Though born in Chennai, later he moved towards Kolkata, where he spent his entire life, and also established his career as an artist. He was known as Kanan Saheb in the music circle. He delivered his first stage concert in the year 1943, where he performed Hindustani music. In ‘50s and ‘60s almost all the All India Radio stations aired the extremely rich and deeply soulful voice of a Khayal singer - A. Kanan.
He joined Indian railways at the age of 18. In his early 20s, he used to play cricket, and in one such visits to Mumbai became a life changing decision. He paid a visit to the All India Radio station for an audition and got selected. He was offered a slot of air time, and thus began his musical journey. When the ITC Sangeet Research Academy was established in 1978, he joined the Academy as one of its gurus along with his and his wife Malabika Kanan. They continued to serve the cause of music till their last breath.
Published: September 26, 2018
Updated: September 26, 2018
