Blessed with a lineage of five generations of Sitar Players, Niladri Kumar is a world renowned and global icon to reckon with. Under the guidance, and numerous years of training from his father and Guru Pandit Kartick Kumar, Niladri after gaining an in depth, profound, and sound understanding of Indian classical music, went on to nationally revolutionize the style of Sitar playing and further invent his own instrument, the fiery red electric Sitar, which he coined as the Zitar. He was the first to go electric. Furthermore, is hailed as one of the serious exponents of Indian music and has an uncanny prodigious style in making this music appealing to the youth and the masses at large. He is one of the leading icons that have been able to strike a balance between the classical space on one hand and the contemporary Modern/World music space on the other. It has been his constant endeavor to infuse interest and respect for this traditional art form in the hearts, minds and play-lists of the younger generation, by making it accessible to them in a form they are more familiar with and better attuned to.

Today, critiques state that he has an unmatchable effortless mastery over the instrument and it is indeed a unique treat to witness his swift, agile, and magical fingers produce soul stirring brilliant compositions. This maverick leaves every music lover, orthodox or progressive, spellbound with his flashes of unparalleled brilliance and his slick ability to strike an instant rapport with audiences transcending all age and cultural barriers. He has inspired many to learn the Sitar and through his illustrious career has emerged as a one of a kind national pride. He has been bestowed and recognized with several prestigious awards, valued titles and in addition has contributed immensely to the Indian film industry.

He was most recently seen endorsing the popular brand Taj Tea. Niladri Kumar is the first Indian and first Non-Guitar player to make it to the international brand - Seymour Duncan’s Artist Endorsee list which features the likes of Slash, Tom Hamilton, Mik Thompson and so on.