Bollywood & Indie Song Covers on Sitar & Zitar
I reimagine today's hits and retro classics by blending traditional sitar techniques with the electric energy of the Zitar. Whether you need a cover for a project or a unique instrumental spin on a favorite track, I bring a fresh texture to the melody.
My humble attempt at the beautiful Zitar solo from the song "Dil ka kya". This is a modern Bollywood track that sounds incredible on the electric sitar.
A sitar cover of the soulful song "Pehle Bhi Main" by Vishal Mishra from the movie 'Animal'. The sitar lends a timeless, emotional quality to this modern hit.
My sitar rendition of "Vida Karo" from the movie 'Amar Singh Chamkila'. The open-air setting adds to the serene and poignant mood of this beautiful composition.
A tribute to the maestro Niladri Kumar sir, playing his composition "Mehram" on both sitar and zitar. This shows the versatility of both instruments on a single track.
About this collection
I don't just transcribe melodies onto the instrument. When we collaborate on a cover, I focus on how the Zitar’s electric texture can replace synths or guitars, giving your track that signature, organic yet modern Indian hook. Send me the reference track, and we can discuss whether a subtle acoustic sitar arrangement or a punchy, electric Zitar solo fits your vision better.
Whether it is the soulful resonance needed for a ballad like 'Pehle Bhi Main' or the high-energy, distorted aesthetic of a modern Bollywood track, I treat covers as fresh compositions. My background in Banaras gharana classical music ensures that even when I am playing contemporary pop or indie songs, the nuances of the Raags inform the phrasing and ornamentation.
Why use a Sitar or Zitar for covers?
The Sitar brings a timeless, melodic depth that works beautifully for acoustic or indie-folk productions. The Zitar, on the other hand, is my go-to for Bollywood fusion and dance tracks. It cuts through a mix like a lead guitar but retains the microtonal beauty of Indian music, making it perfect for replacing synth hooks or adding a unique, earthy texture to pop arrangements.
My Recording Process
I work remotely from my Mumbai setup or on-location. If you have a specific vision, I can adapt to your notation or improvise based on the chord progression. I provide high-fidelity WAV stems, allowing you to easily integrate my parts into your DAW. I include two rounds of revisions for every cover to ensure the tone and phrasing match exactly what you hear in your head. Whether it is a solo feature or a full instrumental re-imagination, I focus on serving the song, not just the instrument.
Hardik Verma
I’m Hardik. I grew up with the classical rigor of Varanasi, but my time in Mumbai has taught me how to make the sitar speak the language of modern indie and Bollywood hits. I love taking a track you know well and re-imagining it through the strings of my Zitar.
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