Meet RAJIB KARMAKAR

We had the good fortune of connecting with RAJIB KARMAKAR and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RAJIB, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The establishment of the Los Angeles International Music and Arts Academy (LAIMACADEMY) was driven by the fundamental goal of advocating and safeguarding Indian classical music on a worldwide platform. Through the passage of time, I have come to recognize the paramount importance of imparting my expertise and capabilities to impassioned students. My primary ambition is to furnish a forum for nurturing budding musicians and directing them towards the mastery of the complexities inherent in Indian classical music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As Bob Marley said “You Can’t Find The Right Roads When The Streets Are Paved.” My journey as a musician and educator has been shaped by the community of friends, followers, and well-wishers who have supported me through thick and thin. This journey has imparted many valuable lessons that have shaped my life and work.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. Life is unpredictable, and the road to success is rarely straightforward. When I started LAIMACADEMY, I encountered numerous challenges, from building the academy from scratch to managing the complexities of organizing international tours and events. It was my ability to adapt and persevere that allowed me to continue building and growing. Resilience has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of my career, and it’s a lesson I carry with me every day.

Another key lesson is the power of community. My journey could have been incredibly isolating without the unwavering support of my family, friends, students, and colleagues. During tough times, their belief in me and their willingness to lend a hand made all the difference. I’ve realized that success isn’t just about individual talent or hard work; it’s also about the people who stand by you and help you along the way.

Passion has always been the driving force behind my work. Whether it’s performing on stage, teaching students, or composing new music, my love for the sitar and Indian classical music fuels everything I do. This passion has guided me through challenging times and inspired me to continually push the boundaries of my art. It’s this same passion that I strive to instill in my students and the community around me.

A core part of my journey has been my commitment to cultural exchange and education. Through LAIMACADEMY and collaborations with various international artists, I’ve learned the importance of bridging cultures through music. Music is a universal language, and I’m dedicated to using it to foster mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures.

From a young age, the training I received under my gurus and the values instilled in me by my parents—discipline, dedication, and respect for tradition—have been the foundation of my artistic journey. These principles are what I hope to pass on to the next generation of musicians.

What I want the world to know is that my story is one of resilience, community, and a deep love for music. At LAIMACADEMY, we are not just teaching music; we are nurturing a global community that values cultural diversity and education. My brand, SITARRAJIB, is synonymous with innovation within tradition, blending the timeless beauty of Indian classical music with contemporary influences to create something truly unique and meaningful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to LA! * Morning: We’ll kick off your trip with breakfast at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood. They make a mean cappuccino, and the breakfast is seriously delicious!
* Mid-Morning: After we’re fueled up, we’ll head over to Griffith Observatory for some killer views of the city and the Hollywood sign. If you’re up for it, we can hike up to the observatory—it’s a great way to start the day.
* Afternoon: We’ll grab some classic In-N-Out Burger for lunch (you can’t leave LA without trying it!), then check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre. It’s touristy, but hey, it’s Hollywood!
* Evening: We’ll wind down the day with dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, a Hollywood staple that’s been around forever. The food is great, and the vibe is old-school cool.

Day 2: Beach Day!
* Morning: We’ll start with breakfast at Gjusta in Venice. Their pastries and smoked fish plates are out of this world—perfect for a day by the beach.
* Mid-Morning: Let’s stroll along Venice Beach and check out the boardwalk. The street performers and quirky shops are super fun. We can also wander through the Venice Canals—it’s a little slice of Europe in LA.
* Afternoon: Then, it’s off to Santa Monica Pier! We can hit up the amusement park, grab some ice cream, and relax on the beach.
* Evening: Dinner will be at The Lobster right on the pier, so we can watch the sunset over the ocean—perfect ending to a beach day.

Day 3: Art & Culture
* Morning: We’ll grab breakfast at République in Mid-Wilshire. It’s a beautiful spot, and their pastries are amazing!
* Mid-Morning: Then, we’ll dive into some culture at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). There’s so much to see there, and we can wander around for hours.
* Afternoon: After LACMA, we’ll stop by Joan’s on Third for a light lunch. Then, we’ll head to The Getty Center. The art, the gardens, the views—everything about this place is stunning.
* Evening: For dinner, we’re hitting up Bestia in the Arts District. It’s one of those must-visit spots for incredible Italian food. Afterward, we can explore the area’s street art—it’s like an outdoor gallery.

Day 4: Downtown LA Adventure
* Morning: We’ll start the day with breakfast at Eggslut in the Grand Central Market. The market is full of cool food vendors, so we might want to wander around a bit.
* Mid-Morning: Next, we’ll visit The Broad Museum to check out some contemporary art, and then swing by the Walt Disney Concert Hall to admire its unique architecture.
* Afternoon: We’ll take a walk through Olvera Street and Union Station, then visit LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes to soak in some history.
* Evening: Dinner tonight is at Bäco Mercat—their Mediterranean-inspired dishes are awesome. We’ll finish up with drinks at Perch, a rooftop bar with unbeatable views of the downtown skyline.

Day 5: Relax & Shop
* Morning: We’ll head out to Malibu for breakfast at Malibu Farm on the pier. The food is fresh and the views are unbeatable.
* Mid-Morning: After breakfast, we’ll hit Malibu Beach—maybe take a surf lesson or just chill in the sun.
* Afternoon: We’ll head back to the city for some shopping at The Grove and Rodeo Drive. We can grab lunch at The Original Farmers Market right next to The Grove—it’s got tons of tasty options.
* Evening: Dinner is at Nobu Malibu. It’s fancy, but the food and ocean views make it totally worth it.

Day 6: Nature & Outdoors
* Morning: We’ll start with breakfast at Farmshop in Brentwood, then head to Runyon Canyon for a morning hike. The views of LA from up there are totally worth it.
* Mid-Morning: After the hike, we’ll swing by Lake Hollywood Park to relax and snap some photos of the Hollywood Sign.
* Afternoon: We’ll drive out to Topanga State Park for a more peaceful nature experience. The trails are beautiful, and you can see all the way to the ocean from up there.
* Evening: We’ll have dinner at The Little Door in West Hollywood. It’s super cozy and the perfect spot to unwind after a day outdoors.

Day 7: Entertainment & Farewell
* Morning: For our last day, we’ll have breakfast at Urth Caffé in West Hollywood. Their organic coffee is the best.
* Mid-Morning: We’ll take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at where all the movie magic happens.
* Afternoon: Lunch at Granville in Burbank, then it’s off to Universal Studios Hollywood for some theme park fun!
* Evening: We’ll finish off with a sunset dinner at Yamashiro in Hollywood—it has the best view of the city. If there’s a good show playing, we can catch a live performance at the Hollywood Bowl or The Greek Theatre.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! I owe a great deal of my success and where I am today to several individuals who have supported and guided me along the way.

First and foremost, I must give a huge shoutout to my Guru, my father, Pandit Durgadas Karmakar. His teachings and guidance have been the foundation of my musical journey. I also want to recognize the profound influence of Ustad Ghulam Akbar Khan and Pandit Ramdas Chakravarty. Their mentorship has not only shaped my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the soul of music.

I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mother, who has been a pillar of strength and inspiration throughout my life. Her love and support have been unwavering, and she has always encouraged me to follow my passion for music.

Moreover, I must acknowledge my wife, whose love, patience, and encouragement have been vital in my journey. She has been my constant companion and has supported me through all the highs and lows of my musical career.

Additionally, the community of musicians and artists I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with has played a crucial role in my growth.

Lastly, I’d like to mention all the students and music enthusiasts I’ve interacted with over the years. Their curiosity, dedication, and love for music continue to motivate me to keep learning and evolving.
These are just a few of the many people who have played a part in my journey. Their contributions have been invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for their support.

Website: https://sitarrajib.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitarrajib

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sitarrajib

Twitter: https://x.com/sitarrajib

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sitarrajib

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/los-angeles-international-music-and-arts-academy-beverly-hills-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFj_qo-qreg&t=1s 

Image Credits
Photo by : Jon Gates Mike Smalley Srivas Venkatesh