Bio

Niranjan Pandian is a Singaporean multi-award-winning exponent of the Bamboo flutes. Niranjan is known for his versatility and his cross-cultural collaborations with musicians from around the globe. Niranjan has won numerous local and international accolades, such as the certificate of distinction in the National Indian Music Competition in 2011, Winner of the Special Category of the Papanasam Music Competition in 2015 and the Runner Up Winner of the National Indian Music Competition in 2017. Niranjan graduated from Nrityalaya Aesthetics of Singapore, specialising in the Indian Bamboo Flutes under Dr Ghanavenothan Retnam. Currently, Niranjan receives advanced training from Maestro Amit Nadig (India), Pundit Deepak Ram (US) and Rit Xu (Singapore). 

 

Under their mentorship, Niranjan graduated with a BA (Hons) in Music from LASALLE College of the Arts with the most prestigious Arts Scholarship by the National Arts Council (Singapore). Niranjan also received the Capability Development grant in 2022 from the National Arts Council (Singapore) for the masterclass with Pundit Deepak Ram. 

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Career as a Performing Artist

Niranjan's first performance was at the age of 10 when he played as part of a Flute ensemble for Sangita Angkuram, organised by Nrityalaya Aesthetics of Singapore. His performance journey started with Singapore Indian Orchestra and Choir under Mrs Lalitha Vaidyanathan's baton and under the initiative of the People's Association. Niranjan performed in annual concerts and productions held at the Esplanade Concert Hall and as well as at Victoria Concert Hall. Niranjan was also a part of the St Gabriel's Symphonic Band and the Serangoon Junior College Symphonic Band, which were beneficial fundamentals for his performing career. Niranjan later ventured into performing with numerous ensembles, bands and orchestras travelling around South East Asia and South Asia for prominent international festivals, concerts and workshops. One such ensemble would include C asean Consonant, an ensemble endorsed by the ASEAN Secretariat. 

 

Some of these festivals are included below:

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Solok Music Festival 2013 (Solok, Indonesia)

C asean Consonant Debut Concert 2016 (Bangkok, Thailand)

Thailand Official Countdown Concert 2016 (Bangkok, Thailand)

Singapore - Malaysia Roadshow Concert by C asean Consonant 2017 (Malaysia)

Friendships Beyond Frontiers Concert 2017 with C asean Consonant (Bangkok, Thailand)

Shanghai International Spring Music Festival 2017 with C asean Consonant (Shanghai, China)

Guangxi Arts Festival 2017 with C asean Consonant (Nanning, China)

ASEAN 50th Anniversary Concert 2017 with C asean Consonant (Jakarta, Indonesia)

ASEAN - EU 40th Anniversary Concert 2017 with C asean Consonant (Jakarta, Indonesia)

7th International Festival of Arts and Culture (Bangkok, Thailand)

8th International Festival of Arts and Culture (Phetchaburi, Thailand)

Bangkok Art Biennale Concert 2018 with C asean Consonant (Bangkok, Thailand)

Singapore Culture Festival 2019 with Open Score Project (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Bakshi Arts International Festival 2019 with Open Score Project (Termez, Uzbekistan)

Singapore Day Celebrations with MCCY with Open Score Project (Shanghai, China)

Opening of the 34th ASEAN Summit in 2019 with C asean Consonant (Bangkok, Thailand)

Opening Ceremony of the New ASEAN Secretariat Building with C asean Consonant (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Marghazi Music Festival 2019 (Chennai, India)

35th ASEAN Day Virtual Concert 2020 with C asean Consonant (Digital)

ASEAN AS ONE Music Video for ASEAN Secretariat 2020 (Digital Performance)

Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 with Flame of the Forest (Sarawak, Malaysia)

The Great Mandolin Show 2023 as part of Indian Performing Arts Convention 2023, organised by Apsaras Arts (Chennai, India)

South East Asia Music Leadership Initiative cum SEADOM Congress 2023 (Bangkok, Thailand)

 

​Besides, International festivals and concerts, Niranjan has been an active performer in the local music scene, having performed for Indian traditional dance accompaniments, Indian classical music concerts, multi-ethnic performances, multi-disciplinary performances, cross-cultural performances and orchestral performances as well as media productions. Niranjan has also been the opening act for India Artists and Bands, such as Sid Sriram Concert in 2016, Thaikkudam Bridge in 2017 and Masala Coffee in 2018 for the Sarvesh Festival of Arts and Music as well as the supporting artist for VIJAY TV Super Singer Title Winner, Sridhar Sena in 2023. 

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Some of the prestigious local productions and performances include:

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Nenjukkule Season 1 with Elias Band (Vasantham)

Opening Act for Sid Sriram Concert in 2016 (Sarvesh Festival of Arts and Music)

Venu Nadam: The Resonance of the Bamboo Flute (Nrityalaya Aesthetics of Singapore)

Pradhana Vizha 2016 with Elias Band (Vasantham)

Norwegian Embassy 50th Anniversary Concert (Norwegian Embassy)

Kala Utsavam (Esplanade)

Opening Act for Thaikkudam Bridge in 2017 (Sarvesh Festival of Arts and Music)

Arts In Your Neighbourhood Series (National Arts Council)

National Indian Music Competition Prize Winner's Concert 2017 (National Arts Council)

Passion Arts Festival

Opening Act for Masala Coffee Concert in 2018 (Sarvesh Festival of Arts and Music)

Mid Autumn Festival (National Arts Council)

Vasantham Live 2018 (Vasantham and Esplanade)

Shatanjaali Festival of Arts and Music (Temple of Finer Arts)

Ethiroli Season 15

Resonates With Series (National Gallery of Singapore)

Textures Festival (The Arts House)

Vasantham Cafe Season 2 (Vasantham)

Closing Act of Young Artists Award and Cultural Medallion 2019 (National Arts Council)

Silver Arts Festival (National Arts Council)

Singapore Night Festival 

Moonstruck by Nithyashree as part of Indian Performing Arts Convention 2019

Heritage Festival (Indian Heritage Center)

Culture Festival 2020 (Indian Heritage Center)

March Forward (Esplanade)

Octoburst (Esplanade)

Music Hackathon Series (SCAPE SG)

Tamil Language Festival (Tamil Language Council)

Savaal Season 1 (Vasantham)

Soodha Oru Coffee (Vasantham)

ArtWalk 2021 by LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Tourism Board (STB)

Project 2020 by Nanyang Collectives (2022)

Our Dreams Whose Reality by The Flame Of The Forest (2022)

Palindrome by Open Score Project (2022)

Raagangal Palavitham Season 1 2022 by Invictus Productions (Vasantham)

Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter. by Poco Productions in 2022

Tamil Language Festival 2022 Launch (Vasantham)

Ninaivugal by Tattva for Tamil Language Festival 2022

7 Wonders of Tamil by Brahmastra for Tamil Language Festival 2022

My Identity - To Seek Within by Brahmastra, supported by the Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee

Patron of the Arts 2022 by the National Arts Council (Singapore)

Raagangal Palavitham Season 2 2022 by Invictus Productions (Vasantham)

"Our Festive Stories" by Our Tampines Hub in 2022

Kala Utsavam 2022 by the Esplanade

Realise Your Somerset Belt Project 2022, powered by the National Youth Council (Singapore)

Venu Nadam: The Story of Its Origin - 2023, supported by the National Arts Council (Singapore)

Life by the Nanyang Collective (2023)

Chingay 2023 

"Kavithai Kumizhi" by Aswani Aswath as part of March Foreward 2023 by Esplanade Co. (Singapore)

Asthapadi, a Bharathanatyam performance by Maitreyi Arts and SIFAS (2023)

Upclose with Brahmastra featuring Sridhar Sena (2023)

Samavaya: A Euphonic Co-Existence by NP Collective (2023)

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Career as a Recording Artist

Between 2016 to 2023, Niranjan recorded more than 300 tracks (The tracks are available under the discography section). He has recorded and worked with internationally renowned artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and India. Niranjan has also recorded for musical theatres, background scores and dance drama productions across South East Asia. One such track would include Edho Ennil Oorum, which was featured on Times Music (South India). Niranjan was also recorded for the official track of Chingay 2023, composed by Si Hao.

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Career as a Music Director

Currently, Niranjan is the music director of Brahmastra, an award-winning Indo-Asean Contemporary ensemble. He has led the ensemble for numerous local and international festivals and media productions such as Kala Utsavam, Passion Arts Festival, 7th and 8th International Festival of Arts and Music 2017 and 2018, Tamil Language Festival 2020, 2021 and 2022, Remembering Bharathiyar by National Library in 2021, ArtWalk Little India 2022 and Raagangal Palavitham 2022. He has led the band for the 8th International Festival of Arts and Music with the Market and Audience development grant from the National Arts Council. He has also led the band to win the Band Category of the Raga and Beyond Competition organised by Arte Compass and Indian Raga. Besides, he directed music for the band's feature in Raagangal Palavitham Season 1, aired on Vasantham and was one of the music advisors for Raagangal Palavitham Season 2 and Chingay Parade in 2023. 

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Career as a Music Composer

Niranjan Pandian is also a composer who has composed background scores, musical theatres and dance drama productions where some of his works have received international acclaim and accolades. His song "Thadai Edhuvai" has been featured as one of the top 15 songs for March 2022 by BehindWood, a leading media company based in India. Thadai Edhuvai was also officially selected to be part of Global Lift Off Network 2021 Festival, Finalists (Best Original Song) and an Honourable Mention Best Lyrics Video) for the Munich Music Video Awards 2021 (July Edition). Niranjan's work has also been featured for Singapore Writers' Festival 2020 with Tapestry Project (Singapore). As a composer, Niranjan has worked with artists and lyricists from around the world such as Ajesh Ashok (India), Santesh (Malaysia), Anu Anand (India), Vishnu Balaji (Singapore), Dayanand Piraisudhan (India) and Abrahaam Nithya Pandian (Singapore). Some of his awards and his recognitions for his songs are located below. 

 

Thadai Edhuvai

Munich Music Video Awards (Best Lyrics Video Song - Honourable Mention)

Munich Music Video Awards (Best Original Song - Finalist)

Kerala Short Film Festival (Official Selection)

Goa Short Film Festival (Official Selection)

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Suttum Vizhi

International Film Festival of Andaman and Nicobar (Best Music Video - Winner)

Aiyan Film Awards (Best Music Video - Winner)

Chennai Indie Film Festival (Best Music Video - Winner)

Tagore International Film Festival (Best Music Video - Winner) 

Rameshwaram International Film Festival (Best Music Video - Winner)

Parai Music International Awards (Best Music Video - Winner)

Durban International Short Film Festival (Best Music Video - Winner) 

Durban International Short Film Festival (Best Music Composer for Music Video - Winner)

First Time Filmmakers Sessions (Lift-Off Global) - Official Selection

Munich Music Video Awards 2022 (Best Music Video - Official Selection)

Kerala Short-film Festival 2022 (Best Music Video - Official Selection)

Malabar Music Festival 2022 (Best Indian Music Video - Winner)

Malabar Music Festival 2022 (Best Tamil Song - Official Selection)

Nawada Film Festival 2022 (Best Music Video & Music Video Director - Official Selection)

Kerala Short Film Festival 2022 - Official Selection 

Arthouse Asia Festival 2022 - Official Selection 

 

Ennai Izhandhen

Marudham Indie Film Festival (Best Music Video - Official Selection)

High Tatras Film & Video Festival (Best Animation Music Video - Official Selection)

Durban International Short Film Festival (Best Producer for music video - Winner)

Durban International Short Film Festival (Best Lyric Writer for Music Video - Winner)

Boden International Film Festival (Best Music Video - Semifinalist)

Munich Music Video Awards 2022 (Best Original Song- Official Selection)

Munich Music Video Awards 2022 (Best Lyrics Video Song- Official Selection)

Aprodhite Film Awards 2022 (Best Music Video - Semi-Finalists)

Hamburg Film Award (Best Music Video - Official Selection)

Malabar Music Festival 2022 (Best Music Director - Official Selection)

Malabar Music Festival 2022 (Best Tamil Song Video - Official Selection)

Nawada Film Festival 2022 (Best Music Video & Music Video Director - Official Selection)

Malabar Festival 2022 (3rd Best Lyrics)

12th Pune Short Film Festival 2022 (Best Music Video - Official Selection)

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Enadhu Tamizhe

Royal Society of Television & Motion Picture Awards (Winner)

Athvikvaruni International Film Festival (Winner) 

New York International Film Awards (July) - NYIFA (Finalist)

Jaipur International Film Festival 2023 (Official Nomination)

Tamizhagam International Film Festival 2022 (Award Winner)

Los Angeles Film Awards 2022 (Quarter Finalist)

Mokkho International Film Festival 2022 (Award Winner)

International Film Festival of Sriganagar (Offical Selection)

Milan Gold Awards 2022 (Honourable Mention)

Prague International Sound Music Video Awards 2023 (Honourable Mention)

 

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Career as a Creative Producer

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Niranjan has actively contributed to his community while creating platforms for Singapore's talented artists and musicians. Niranjan has been a part of numerous panel discussions such as Ethiroli's Season 15 Panel Discussions, Connecting Youth Trailblazers by Sinda Youth Club as well as ReNEWED Panel discussions organised by Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music. He also represents Singapore in the SEADOM 30 under 30 programmes organised by South East Asian Directors of Music from 2020. Niranjan has also headed the Brahmastra Festival of Arts and Music 2021, the first-ever digital festival showcasing Singapore's traditional and contemporary artists and musicians powered by the Ministry of Communications, Community and Youth (MCCY) and National Youth Council (NYC) in partnership with Somerset belt Taskforce. Recently, Niranjan creative produced the 7 Wonders of Tamil in conjunction with Tamil Language Festival 2022 and with the support of the Tamil Language Council (TLC) and Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee (TLLPC). Some of his other productions include "Back to Basics" for PAssion Arts Festival 2017, "7 Wonders of Punggol" for Arts in Your Neighbourhood 2019 by the National Arts Council (Singapore), "Kuralum Kuralum" for Tamil Language Festival 2019 and 2020, "My Identity - To Seek Within" with the support of Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee,"The Tunes of Somerset Belt" as part of Somerfest 2022, powered by the National Youth Council (Singapore), “Venu Nadam: The Story Of Its Origin", supported by the National Arts Council (Singapore) and “Upclose with Brahmastra featuring VIJAY TV Super Singer Tilte Winner - Sridhar Sena”.