Born in Lucknow, the historic north Indian city known for its arts & culture, Vandana Vishwas exhibited prodigious talent from a tender age. Raised in the pristine Chhattisgarh province of central India, her journey in music began at the age of four, effortlessly singing complex melodies.
Recognizing her potential, her parents enrolled her for Indian classical vocal lessons under the tutelage of Pandit Parashuram Sharma and later Mrs. Vimala Soni.
The Journey to Mastery: Sangeet Visharad and All India Radio
By the age of sixteen, Vandana Vishwas had earned a ‘Sangeet Visharad’ degree in Indian classical music, a testament to her dedication and exceptional talent.
Simultaneously, she embarked on a career as a contract artist with All India Radio, showcasing her original compositions and mesmerizing vocals. Despite facing physical challenges due to medical negligence in infancy, Vandana’s determination propelled her forward.
Exploring New Horizons: Ghazal Maestros and Television Debut
During a recording session, Vandana’s captivating voice caught the attention of renowned Ghazal maestro brothers Ustaad Ahmed and Mohammed Hussain. Under their guidance, she delved into the intricacies of Ghazal singing, further enhancing her musical prowess.
Her talent soon graced the Indian National Television channel Doordarshan and prestigious platforms like the Acharya Brihaspati Sammelan.
Architectural Interlude: Pursuing a Different Path
Despite her burgeoning success in the music industry, Vandana faced a pivotal decision. Opting for stability and challenge, she pursued a career in architecture, relocating to Dubai with her husband and music collaborator, Vishwas Thoke.
For over two decades, Vandana Vishwas contributed to shaping the skylines of cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, and Toronto, showcasing her versatility beyond the realm of music.
Rediscovery Through Diversity: Immigrating to Canada
Moving to Toronto, Canada, proved to be a turning point in Vandana’s journey. Immersed in the vibrant musical landscape of the city, she reignited her passion for music.
With her debut album “Meera-The Lover” in 2009, she captivated audiences with her reinterpretation of the legendary 16th-century poet queen Meera Bai’s works. Subsequent albums, including “Monologues” in 2013, showcased her innovative fusion of traditional South Asian song forms with Western influences.
Recognition and Reinvention: Awards and Acclaim of Vandana Vishwas
Vandana’s musical endeavors in Canada garnered widespread recognition, with accolades such as the Akademia Awards, Toronto Independent Music Award, and Marty Award, among others. Despite being an independent artist, her compositions consistently topped charts and earned critical acclaim, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the world music scene.
Parallels and Beyond: Chart-Topping Success
The release of “Parallels” in 2016 marked another milestone in Vandana’s career. Topping the RMR World charts and earning accolades such as the Toronto Independent Music award and Global Music Awards, the album showcased her continued evolution as a musician.
Vandana Vishwas’s fearless experimentation and collaboration across genres earned her comparisons to legendary artists like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.
Legacy in the Making: Kabeera – The Thinker…
Vandana Vishwas’s latest album, “Kabeera – The Thinker…,” pays homage to the legendary 15th-century Indian poet-thinker Kabeer Das. With groundbreaking compositions and profound storytelling, Vandana continues to push the boundaries of musical expression.
Through her unwavering dedication and innovative spirit, Vandana Vishwas cements her legacy as a musician par excellence, inspiring generations to come.