Dexter Raghunanan

Dexter Raghunanan was a remarkably accomplished tabla maestro based in Houston, Texas, and one of the most distinguished Indian classical artistes to have emerged from Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. From early childhood, his heart resonated with rhythm. His natural inclination toward percussion was lovingly recognized by his paternal grandmother, who gifted him his very first pair of table, a gesture that would shape the course of his life. With her encouragement, he began formal training, marking the humble yet powerful beginning of an extraordinary musical journey. Dexter’s foundational training began under the guidance of Shri Tensing Ramlakhan. His dedication, discipline, and reverence for the art quickly distinguished him, and he soon became a highly sought-after accompanist and performer throughout Trinidad and the wider Caribbean region. Ever the devoted student, Dexter continued to refine his craft under the tutelage of esteemed tabla exponents such as Shri Nirmal Mandal, Shri Sandeep Das, and Pt. Pooran Maharaj, son of the legendary Kishan Maharaj.

With unwavering devotion to tabla, Dexter established his own school in South Trinidad, beginning modestly with just four students at a Mandir. Through his passion, humility, and patient guidance, that small class flourished into an institution of over two hundred students. To many, he was not only a teacher but a guru, nurturing discipline, love for tradition, and spiritual connection through rhythm. Throughout his career in Trinidad, Dexter had the honor of accompanying revered artistes and spiritual leaders including Pandit Mahase Maharaj, Pandit Jewan Maharaj, Pandit Vishnu Harrybatchan, Pandit Sunil Basdeo, Rana Mohip, Susan Mohip, Premchand Jagdeo, Sookdeo Jagdeo, Ashwni Kupchand and visiting Indian artiste Shri Ajnish Rai. His artistry later carried him to North America, where he continued to accompany numerous musicians and performers.

In 1999, while in Toronto, Dexter met Shri Ritesh Das, an encounter that profoundly shaped his musical evolution. Under the rigorous guidance of Riteshji and his guru, Maestro of the Lucknow Gharana, Swapan Chaudhuri, Dexter deepened his mastery of the classical tradition. After relocating to Houston in 2005, he dedicated himself to teaching and performing extensively across the United States, collaborating with classical musicians, Ghazal singers, dancers, and fusion artistes. He also had the privilege of learning from the leading exponent of the Farukhabad Gharana, Anindo Chatterjee. Among the many distinguished artistes he accompanied were Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Ramesh Misra, Bhajan Samraat Anup Jalota, Pandit Ajay Jha, Shri Sudhir Narayan, Ustad Ghulam Abbas, Shri Indrajit Banerjee, and Sunil Mungee, among others, each performance a testament to his sensitivity, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Tragically, on the morning of January 18, 2017, Dexter’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He was taken far too soon. His departure left a profound void, in the world of Indian classical music, in the classrooms he filled with rhythm and discipline, and in the hearts of his family, friends, students, and admirers across Trinidad, the West Indies, North America, and beyond. Dexter was humility personified, gentle in speech, generous in spirit, and deeply respected among his peers. As a Guru, he shaped hundreds of students; as a performer, he elevated every stage he graced; and as a human being, he touched countless lives with warmth and sincerity. Though he has departed from this earthly realm, his bols continue to echo in the hands of his students and in the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing him. His legacy lives on in rhythm, devotion, and tradition.
We at Hindisongstt extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his loving family, friends, devoted students, and admirers. May the Almighty grant him eternal shanti, and may his noble soul find eternal union at the lotus feet of the Divine.

“Do you have a special memory captured on film or audio? Please email any photos, videos, or audio recordings you may have to hindisongstt@gmail.com. We are looking to preserve the many beautiful moments shared with the phenomenal Dexter Raghunanan.”(Copyright Hindisongstt 2026).