Soham Mukhopadhyay
| Soham Mukhopadhyay সোহম্ মুখোপাধ্যায় | |
 Soham Mukhopadhyay, the pioneer of the Nose'monica | |
| Born | 13 August 1985 Burdwan, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Residence | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Occupation | Musician, composer, instrumentalist |
| Instruments | Harmonica (Nose'monica), Melodica, Flute |
| Known for | Nose'monica (nasal harmonica playing), 16 world records |
| Spouse | Payel Mukhopadhyay (m. 2017) |
| Parents | Satinath Mukhopadhyay (father) Purnima Mukhopadhyay (mother) |
| Website | soham13.com |
Soham Mukhopadhyay ; born 13 August 1985) is an Indian musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Kolkata, 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).[1] Mukhopadhyay holds over 16 world records for his distinctive instrumental abilities, utilizing ancient 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 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 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 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 Bollywood music director 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 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 International Book Fair in New Delhi, the Atri Festival in Odisha, and numerous prominent cultural festivals across West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
His rare talent has also garnered international attention, leading to performance invitations from countries including the United States, Germany, and Poland. His work has been widely covered by major Indian media outlets, television channels, and publications, including Anandabazar Patrika, Aajkaal, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, 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, melodica, and 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 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.