From Dentist to Three-Time Grammy Winner: The Incredible Journey of Ricky Kej

Three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej is far more than an acclaimed musician. Over the years, he has emerged as one of India’s most influential global cultural ambassadors, using music to champion climate action, peace and sustainability. From performing at the United Nations to collaborating with international music legends, Kej’s journey is as inspiring as it is extraordinary. Here are 10 things to know about the celebrated composer.

1. India’s only three-time Grammy-winning composer
   Ricky Kej has been nominated for the Grammy Awards four times and has won three, making him the only Indian composer to achieve this milestone. He is also a US Billboard No. 1 artist and a recipient of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
2. He was trained as a dentist
   Before pursuing music professionally, Kej completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Bengaluru, fulfilling a promise to his parents before dedicating himself entirely to his passion.
3. Bengaluru shaped his musical journey
   Born in North Carolina, USA, Kej moved to Bengaluru as a child and has called the city home ever since. His musical career began with the progressive rock band Angel Dust before he expanded into Indian classical, orchestral and world music.
4. His music has travelled the world
   Kej has performed in more than 35 countries, including prestigious venues such as the United Nations headquarters in New York and Geneva, where his concerts have promoted peace, environmental conservation and global unity.
5. A global voice for sustainability
   Beyond music, Kej serves as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). He has also worked with organisations including UNICEF, UNHCR and UNESCO MGIEP, using music to advocate for climate action, ecosystem restoration and humanitarian causes.
6. His work spans far beyond albums
   With 26 internationally released albums, scores for eight feature films and music for over 3,500 television and radio commercials, Kej has built an incredibly diverse body of work. He also composed the music for Wild Karnataka, the acclaimed wildlife documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
7. He has collaborated with global music icons
   From Stewart Copeland of The Police to Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ani Choying Drolma, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Soweto Gospel Choir, Kej’s collaborations reflect his belief that music transcends borders and cultures.
8. His music carries a purpose
   Each of Kej’s Grammy-winning albums has centred on larger conversations around nature, peace and sustainability. Winds of Samsara drew inspiration from philosophy and the natural world, while Divine Tides, created with Stewart Copeland, highlighted humanity’s interconnected relationship with the planet. Awards, for Kej, have always served as a platform to amplify meaningful causes rather than an end goal.
9. His journey is taught in schools
   Kej’s inspiring story has even made its way into classrooms, with his musical journey and social impact featured in Grade 7 English textbooks. He also serves as a Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), where he leads interdisciplinary discussions on creativity, leadership and sustainability.
10. Recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for celebrating India’s heritage
    Among Kej’s latest works is Kesariya Balam, an instrumental collaboration with Grammy-winning Mohan Veena maestro Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Reimagining the iconic Rajasthani folk classic with sweeping orchestral arrangements while preserving its tradi…