An inspiring young musician has been recognised with an award for her talented performances.
Lina Chakraborty, who sings and plays the piano and guitar, first began performing on stage at four years old.
“I enjoy going on stage and putting on a show for the audience and for the community,” Lina said. “It makes me feel happy and proud that I can show people what I can do.
“Music is really important to me because it gives me a break from everything that happens in life and I can enjoy myself.”
The 15-year-old from Arnold has since showcased her talents at various prestigious venues, including Wollaton Hall, Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall in London.
After being nominated by her family, Lina has been awarded this year’s Youth Creative Excellence Award, which recognises young talents who have contributed to the arts and cultural enrichment of their community through art, singing, dancing, or acting.
The award forms part of the Live Our Best Life Awards, which was launched by Nottinghamshire Police in 2021 to shine a light on the inspiring work of young people across the county.
“It’s just amazing to win,” Lina said. “I didn’t expect it and it’s great because it’s a community award – so yeah it’s just amazing.”
Every week Lina visits the Hindu temple in Nottingham and attends Hindi school, where she teaches other children to dance so they can perform in community festivals at the temple.
“I just want to be a bridge between different communities because many of us were born here and grew up here, so we’re not really in touch with our heritage and culture – and I want to bring people into that,” Lina said.
Lina is also a classically trained Indian Kathak dancer and actively contributes to her community through performances with the Nottingham Asian Arts Council.
Her talents extend to singing in English, Punjabi, Bengali, and Hindi, as well as performing Bollywood and Bhangra dancing at several cultural and community events at the temple.
Kanchan Chakraborty, Lina’s mum, said: “Lina has been interested in singing and dancing since a young age.
“I was amazed at her first solo performance on the stage at just five years of age.
“I am so proud and glad to see her win and hope that she can be an inspiration for other children.”
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