Featured Compositions and Musical Direction
A curated look at my journey from directing soundtracks for global brands to blending classical rhythm with storytelling.
I had the honor of curating and directing the live Indian music for Dior's historic Fall '23 show at the Gateway of India. This was a unique musical conversation between Eastern and Western traditions, blending my compositions with a live symphony orchestra against an iconic backdrop.
This is a glimpse into 'Ramayan on Tabla', my original audio-visual storytelling concept. I use a blend of rhythmic poetry, vibrant melodies, and a symphony of percussion instruments to bring the epic of Ramayan to life in a new way.
For Spotify's Echo project, I collaborated on the track 'Kautilya', which blended traditional Indian classical instruments with a modern, cinematic soundscape. The track's viral success, with over 13 million views, shows the power of fusion music to connect with a global audience.
'Shiv Shakti' is one of my signature compositions, a Tabla Jugalbandi where I explore the divine duality of Purush and Prakruti. This piece uses two tablas and two distinct ragas to create a dialogue between the masculine and feminine energies through rhythm and melody.
'Taal Tiranga' is my patriotic composition that captures the spirit of India in 111 seconds. It's a rhythmic tribute to our nation, blending the power of the tabla with the emotion of Vande Mataram to evoke a sense of national pride.
Composing the background score for M.F. Husain's film 'Gaja Gamini' was a landmark project. I used only my tabla and voice to create the entire soundscape, an innovative approach that was appreciated at the Cannes Film Festival and marked the beginning of my journey in tabla storytelling for cinema.
I am deeply grateful for the recognition I have received, including being named 'Bharat ki Lakshmi' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and receiving the 'First Ladies Award' from the President of India for my pioneering work as a female tabla professional.
This press feature highlights a special Navratri performance where I played nine different percussion instruments to represent the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. This composition, part of my Stree Shakti concerts, celebrates woman power through the language of rhythm and Navrasas.
About Featured
When I work on a brand anthem or a live score, I do not just add background rhythm; I create a rhythmic signature that aligns with your specific brand identity. I use a multi-tabla setup to build that signature, ensuring the final track is recorded in a professional, acoustic-treated studio to broadcast standards, giving you a sonic identity that feels both rooted and modern.
My approach to composition is rooted in the philosophy that tabla is a language. Whether I am directing the music for a high-fashion show like Dior at the Gateway of India or composing a viral track for Spotify, my goal remains the same: to tell a story through sound.
My Composition Process
I look at composition as a baat-cheet (conversation) between traditional rhythm and modern needs. For brand anthems, I start by understanding your brand’s voice, then translate that into a unique taal (rhythm). My setup isn't just about one instrument; I utilize a multi-tabla arrangement combined with melodic accompaniment like sitar, flute, or keyboard to create depth.
From Cinema to Global Stages
My background in film scoring began with M.F. Husain’s Gaja Gamini, where I composed the entire background score using only my tabla and voice—a pioneering experiment that resonated at the Cannes Film Festival. Today, that experience allows me to blend classical roots with electronic, cinematic, and fusion soundscapes.
Live Musical Direction
Beyond studio recordings, I curate live musical narratives. My ensemble performances, including my all-women band Stree Shakti, are designed to engage audiences with a mix of rhythmic poetry (padhant), vocal narration, and ensemble percussion. If you are looking for a musical direction that goes beyond the generic and brings an authentic, high-impact cultural element to your event, I am happy to discuss your vision.
Anuradha Pal
Namaskar, I am Anuradha Pal, and I believe rhythm is a language that connects us all. I have spent my life mastering the tabla, from learning under Ustad Allarakha ji to creating my own path as the world’s first female professional tabla player. My work today is about blending that deep-rooted tradition with the needs of modern brands and events.
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