Original Sitar Albums & Musical Collaborations

When I create original music, I look to bridge the gap between tradition and the modern ear. Take my album European Spring or the Strings of Serenity project with Pratik Shrivastava bhai; the process is not just about playing a raga, but about creating a dialogue between the sitar and the environment or another instrument. If you listen to these tracks, you will hear that I prioritize the melody above all else, ensuring that even in complex fusion, the sitar remains the storyteller.

These albums and collaborations are where I explore my voice as a composer. My musical journey is often about finding a new way to say something timeless.

European Spring

This album is a collection of moods and memories shaped during my travels across Europe. It captures the acoustic resonance of the sitar against different cityscapes. From Tilak Kamod Under Leiden Skies to Rotterdam Shadows, these pieces are experiments in how a Hindustani raga interacts with a new space.

Strings of Serenity

This collaboration with Pratik Shrivastava is a groovy, relaxing treat. We wanted to show the sitar and sarod in a new light, focusing on the jugalbandi that defines our shared musical language. It is a perfect example of how two traditional instruments can create something completely fresh.

Chakra and Araj

With my band Araj, we explore more complex textures. The track Sargam Crossing, from our album Chakra, blends Raag Patdeep and Vachaspati. This project is about ensemble energy, where the sitar weaves through keys, drums, and flutes to create a sound that moves beyond solo improvisation.

Roshan

This track is deeply personal. It is a tribute to my late uncle, Roshan Ali Niazi. He was my guiding light, and this composition is my way of making him live on as a melody. It is the most honest piece of work I have created, rooted in the memories of watching him play the santoor in my childhood.