Born in Kolkata of a business family, Kankana inherited a keen sense of music from her very childhood and had early lessons in Hindustani music from her mother and Late Pt. Ratan Jhankar of Lucknow.

In 1960, Kankana had the privilege to be introduced to Late Ustad AMir Khan of Indore. In a very informal gathering, the Late Maestro discovered an in-born musical talent, and a seven year old Kankana won his heart by skillful attachment to the masterly tune of the Maestro.

Subsequently, Kankana was guided by Pt. Pratap Narain, of Mewati Gharana and has now established herself as one of the leading exponents of classical music. She won the Surmani in 1969, Sangit Shiromani award in 1974 and is the recipient of Kala Saraswati, Andhra Ratna 1987 awards.

Kankana has come a long way. To date, she has participated in prominent Music conferences all over India and abroad much to the admiration of music lovers. At the moment, she is attached with AIR, Mumbai. She has many records and albums to her credit.