Satrohan Maharaj

Satrohan Maharaj was born and raised in Five Rivers, Arouca, North Trinidad, West Indies. From an early age he displayed a deep love for music, beginning his musical journey at just twelve years old as a guitarist. In his formative years he performed with several well-known local orchestras including Suhana Safar Indian Orchestra, Naya Hindustani Indian Orchestra, Naya Zamana Indian Orchestra, and The Anand Sangeet Indian Orchestra. At the age of twenty-two, Satrohan made his debut as a singer with the BWIA National Indian Orchestra under the leadership of maestro Harry Mahabir. His introduction to the national stage came through the popular television program Mastana Bahar, where he competed as a contestant and proudly reached the finals on two occasions. His remarkable ability to render the songs of the legendary Kishore Kumar with striking authenticity quickly earned him widespread admiration throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

As his popularity grew, Satrohan’s talent carried him beyond local shores, taking his music to audiences in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, India, and other countries. Determined to further develop his musical knowledge, he later travelled to India where he pursued formal studies at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra. During his time there he had the distinct honor of performing for the celebrated Indian film star Dev Anand. He was also awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Throughout his distinguished career, Satrohan shared the stage with renowned artistes from India and the Caribbean. Among them were legendary Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu, the celebrated Bhajan maestro Anup Jalota, and actor-singer Biswajeet. These collaborations remain among the many highlights of his musical journey. He also had the privilege of performing alongside many of the Caribbean’s most respected artistes including Sundar Popo, Sonny Mann, Rakesh Yankaran, Zaira Ali, Kailash Kowlessar, Nazimol Khan, Harold Boodoo, Rana Mohip, Polly Sookraj, Capil Gayadeen, Khamrune Ali, Rukminee Holass Beepath, Baal & Lily John, Budram Holass, Premchand Jagdeo, Sagar Sookraj, Sookdeo Jagdeo, Lalchand (Rafi) Singh, Mungal Patasar, Mayodeen Ackbarali, Narsaloo Ramaya, Michael Salickram and Sally Edwards, among many other distinguished performers. A lively and versatile stage performer, Satrohan Maharaj captivated audiences wherever he appeared, consistently delivering strong and memorable performances. He was awarded the Nafeeta Award in 1991 for Best Local Male Indian Singer, in Trinidad & Tobago.

Over the years he recorded more than thirty CDs and cassettes and left behind a catalogue of over three hundred beautiful songs. Beyond performing, Satrohan was also a gifted composer, arranger, and songwriter. He generously shared his knowledge with younger generations, teaching both Hindustani and English music in vocals, keyboard synthesizer, and guitar. Through his powerful voice, often admired for its close resemblance to that of Kishore Kumar, and his passionate dedication to music, Satrohan Maharaj established himself as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most versatile and respected artistes. Sadly, on December 17, 2022, this shining star departed from our midst. His passing marked a profound loss to the music fraternity of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. Yet his voice, recordings, and enduring legacy continue to inspire musicians and delight fans around the world. Heartfelt condolences remain with his family, friends, and admirers globally.

“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 this multi-talented artiste Satrohan Maharaj.”(Copyright Pandit Ashram Sharma 2026).