01st June, 2026Celebrated flautist and music composer Rajeev Prasanna has launched Banaras, a heartfelt musical tribute to the timeless soul of Varanasi. Deeply inspired by the city’s spiritual essence, cultural richness, and the ghats that shaped his roots, the composition blends the purity of traditional Banarasi folk melodies with a contemporary musical touch.
Banaras is more than just a dhun, it is an immersive musical journey that transports listeners to the serene ghats, echoing the rhythm, devotion, and emotions of the sacred city. Through the soothing notes of the flute and layered modern arrangements, Rajeev Prasanna brings alive the spirit of Banaras in a way that resonates with both traditional and modern audiences.
Speaking about the release, Rajeev Prasanna said, “Banaras is extremely close to my heart. It is a tribute to the city, its culture, and the ghats that have been an inseparable part of my upbringing and musical journey. I wanted to create something that preserves the soul of Banaras while presenting it in a soundscape that today’s listeners can connect with.”
Known for seamlessly blending Indian classical music with contemporary influences, Rajeev Prasanna’s latest release reflects his continued effort to keep traditional sounds alive while making them accessible to newer generations.
Rajeev Prasanna: Belonging to the illustrious Banaras Gharana, Rajeev is the grandson of the legendary flautist Late Pandit Raghunath Prasanna and began his musical journey at the age of six under the guidance of his grandfather and father, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasanna. He is 'A' High graded artist with Doordarshan & All India Radio and a recipient of the prestigious CCRT Scholarship for Young Artists, Rajeev has earned acclaim for his ability to blend tradition with innovation.
Since 2016, Rajeev has performed extensively with Shreya Ghoshal across the globe — from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia to Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. He has also collaborated with leading Bollywood artists such as Sukhwinder Singh, Armaan Malik, Amaal Mallik, Vishal Bhardwaj, Sona Mohapatra, Papon, and Ayushmann Khurrana. His performances have graced platforms including MTV Unplugged, MTV Unwind, Mirchi Awards, and GIMA Awards, and he has recorded for numerous Bollywood films as well as global projects like Apple Inc.’s iPhone commercial and the Indian version of 20th Century Studios’ theme music.Banaras is now available across major digital and streaming platforms.
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1PmBO2K4vizbPyQ9uE9xDt?si=VvFvjoiSTaa1_CXyd35c5Q
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/in/album/banaras/6773343289?i=6773343298
