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Created page with "{{SHORTDESC:Indian harmonica player, composer, and instrumentalist}} {{#seo: |title=Soham Mukhopadhyay |title_mode=append |keywords=Soham Mukhopadhyay, Nose harmonica, Nose'monica, Indian harmonica player, Kolkata musician, RecordSetter harmonica, West Bengal instrumentalist, Soham Mukhopadhyay Timespedia |description=Soham Mukhopadhyay is an Indian musician and composer recognized for his unique technique of playing the harmonica and other wind instruments using nasal r..."

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{{SHORTDESC:Indian harmonica player, composer, and instrumentalist}}
{{#seo:
|title=Soham Mukhopadhyay
|title_mode=append
|keywords=Soham Mukhopadhyay, Nose harmonica, Nose'monica, Indian harmonica player, Kolkata musician, RecordSetter harmonica, West Bengal instrumentalist, Soham Mukhopadhyay Timespedia
|description=Soham Mukhopadhyay is an Indian musician and composer recognized for his unique technique of playing the harmonica and other wind instruments using nasal respiration.
|image=Soham Mukhopadhyay.jpg

|image_alt=Soham Mukhopadhyay
}}{|"class="infobox" style="width: 22em; font-size: 90%; text-align: left; border-spacing: 0px; background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #aaa; float: right; margin-left: 1em;"
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: larger; padding: 5px 0;" |'''Soham Mukhopadhyay''' সোহম্ মুখোপাধ্যায়
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 0; background-color: #f9f9f9;" |[[File:Soham Mukhopadhyay.jpg|alt=Soham Mukhopadhyay |frameless]] Soham Mukhopadhyay, the pioneer of the Nose'monica
|-
| style="width: 30%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Born'''
| style="width: 70%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |13 August 1985 [[wikipedia:Bardhaman|Burdwan]], [[wikipedia:West Bengal|West Bengal]], [[wikipedia:India|India]]
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Nationality'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |[[wikipedia:India|Indian]]
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Residence'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |[[wikipedia:Kolkata|Kolkata]], West Bengal, India
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Occupation'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |Musician, composer, instrumentalist
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Instruments'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |[[wikipedia:Harmonica|Harmonica]] (Nose'monica), [[wikipedia:Melodica|Melodica]], [[wikipedia:Flute|Flute]]
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Known for'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |Nose'monica (nasal harmonica playing), 16 world records
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Spouse'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |Payel Mukhopadhyay (m. 2017)
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Parents'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |Satinath Mukhopadhyay (father) Purnima Mukhopadhyay (mother)
|-
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |'''Website'''
| style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px;" |[http://soham13.com soham13.com]
|}

'''Soham Mukhopadhyay''' ; born 13 August 1985) is an Indian musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in [[wikipedia:Kolkata|Kolkata]], [[wikipedia:West Bengal|West Bengal]]. He is widely recognized for his unique musical technique of playing wind instruments using nasal respiration, earning him the popular sobriquet "The Father of Nose'monica" (Nose Harmonica).<ref name="Hindu2016">{{cite news |title=Redefining harmonica to make country a better place |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/Redefining-harmonica-to-make-country-a-better-place/article16440785.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=17 November 2016 |access-date=26 December 2018 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Mukhopadhyay holds over 16 world records for his distinctive instrumental abilities, utilizing ancient [[wikipedia:Yoga|yogic]] breathing techniques to adapt standard mouth-blown instruments for nasal play.

== Early life and background ==
Soham Mukhopadhyay was born on 13 August 1985 in the historic city of [[wikipedia:Bardhaman|Burdwan]], West Bengal, India. He was born into a culturally inclined Bengali family with a strong foundation in the performing arts. His father, Satinath Mukhopadhyay, was a recognized reciter of traditional Bengali literature, while his mother, Purnima Mukhopadhyay, was a versatile singer. Growing up in a household steeped in art and literature, Mukhopadhyay was introduced to music, acting, and poetry recitation from a very early age. The constant exposure to his mother's vocal practices provided him with a spontaneous and organic introduction to musical theory, rhythm, and melody.

== Musical career and the "Nose'monica" ==

=== Inspiration and early training ===
Mukhopadhyay began formal instruction on the [[wikipedia:Harmonica|harmonica]] at the age of 10. He gravitated toward the instrument due to its compact size, portability, and affordability compared to larger, traditional Indian classical instruments.

During his formative years, he drew heavy inspiration from legendary harmonica players and composers. His idols included international virtuoso [[wikipedia:Larry Adler|Larry Adler]], as well as prominent Indian harmonica players like Milan Gupta and Saikat Mukherjee. A significant influence on his musical direction was the legendary [[wikipedia:Bollywood|Bollywood]] music director [[wikipedia:R. D. Burman|R. D. Burman]], who was largely responsible for popularizing the harmonica in mainstream Indian commercial cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. Burman's ability to weave the Western instrument into traditional Indian melodies inspired Mukhopadhyay to experiment with the harmonica's sonic capabilities.

=== Development of the nasal technique ===
The harmonica is conventionally a free reed wind instrument played by blowing air into or drawing air out of its holes using the mouth. While mastering the instrument, Mukhopadhyay conceptualized a radical alternative: if breath is the primary driver of the instrument's sound, the nasal passages could theoretically be used to channel air into the harmonica.

Initially, the concept presented immense physiological challenges. The human nasal cavity provides a different air pressure dynamic and embouchure compared to the lips and oral cavity. To make this possible, Mukhopadhyay turned to ancient Indian [[wikipedia:Pranayama|Pranayama]] (yogic breath control) techniques. By continuously practicing specific yogic breathing exercises, he developed the highly specialized diaphragmatic and nasal control required to forcefully and accurately direct air through the tiny chambers of the harmonica.

After mastering this technique, he began playing the harmonica continuously for hours using only his nose. This innovation led to the coining of the term "Nose'monica," and established him as a pioneer of this highly unusual musical niche.

=== Live performances and tours ===
Following his mastery of the Nose'monica, Mukhopadhyay transitioned into professional performing. To date, he has completed over 500 live shows across India and internationally. His performances span a wide variety of venues, from traditional cultural festivals to modern stages.

Notable domestic performances include appearances at the [[wikipedia:New Delhi World Book Fair|International Book Fair]] in New Delhi, the Atri Festival in [[wikipedia:Odisha|Odisha]], and numerous prominent cultural festivals across West Bengal, [[wikipedia:Andhra Pradesh|Andhra Pradesh]], and [[wikipedia:Chhattisgarh|Chhattisgarh]].

His rare talent has also garnered international attention, leading to performance invitations from countries including the [[wikipedia:United States|United States]], [[wikipedia:Germany|Germany]], and [[wikipedia:Poland|Poland]]. His work has been widely covered by major Indian media outlets, television channels, and publications, including ''[[wikipedia:Anandabazar Patrika|Anandabazar Patrika]]'', ''[[wikipedia:Aajkaal|Aajkaal]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Times of India|The Times of India]]'', ''[[wikipedia:Hindustan Times|Hindustan Times]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Hindu|The Hindu]]'', ''Star Ananda'', and ''ETV Bangla''.

His performances have been lauded by several prominent political and cultural figures in India, including former West Bengal ministers Madan Mitra and Sadhan Pandey, Power Minister Sovandeb Chatterjee, and Women's Commission Chairperson Sunanda Mukhopadhyay.

== Awards and world records ==
Mukhopadhyay's unique anatomical approach to wind instruments has resulted in widespread recognition from global record-keeping organizations. He currently holds more than 16 World Record certificates. His records span multiple instruments, including the harmonica, [[wikipedia:Melodica|melodica]], and [[wikipedia:Flute|flute]], all played via nasal respiration.

His major world records include:
* '''RecordSetter (USA):''' Longest Time Playing Harmonica With Nose
* '''RecordSetter (USA):''' Longest Time Playing A Melodica With Nose
* '''RecordSetter (USA):''' Longest Time Playing A Flute With Nose

In addition to American records, he has been recognized by the ''[[wikipedia:Limca Book of Records|Limca Book of Records]]'', the ''Bharat Book of Records'', the ''URF Record Forum'', and ''Assist World Records''. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated over 500 individual awards spanning the fields of music, recitation, and creative arts.

Notably, he was awarded the '''Bharat Siromoni International Award''', a highly prestigious honor presented in Andhra Pradesh, and was recognized as a "Record Creator" by the Record Holder and Achievers Association (International).

== Personal life ==
Soham Mukhopadhyay continues to reside in West Bengal. He married Payel Mukhopadhyay in 2017.

== See also ==
* [[wikipedia:Nose flute|Nose flute]]
* [[wikipedia:Harmonica|Harmonica]]
* [[wikipedia:Music of West Bengal|Music of West Bengal]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://soham13.com Official Website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mukhopadhyay, Soham}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian musicians]]
[[Category:Indian harmonica players]]
[[Category:Musicians from West Bengal]]
[[Category:People from Bardhaman]]

Soham Mukhopadhyay - Revision history