Classical Sitar & Soulful Ragas
Authentic Indian classical music for intimate gatherings, mehfils, and quiet celebrations.
The echo of Raag Bihag in a 200-year-old Amsterdam Church. This clip of a Thok Jhala shows the power and intricacy of a pure classical performance, perfect for connoisseurs and serene environments.
A beautiful bandish in Raag Shudh Kalyan, performed with my brother Khurram on tabla. This showcases the classic sitar and tabla jugalbandi, the core of an Indian classical concert.
Here is a beautiful Gat in Raag Jaijaiwanti that I learned as a child. It represents the years of training and tradition that are the foundation of my music.
Playing Raag Gaud Sarang by the serene shores of Lake Geneva. A quiet dialogue between a traditional raga and the beauty of nature, perfect for creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.
A Tarana in Raag Gaud Malhar, inspired by Alish Mohan. This video, shot in Penang, showcases a lively and rhythmic classical piece, great for engaging an audience.
My version of 'Sakal Ban,' an original bandish by Hazrat Amir Khusrau, performed with the talented Ishaan Ghosh on tabla. This is perfect for cultural events celebrating heritage and tradition.
A close-up of my performance of Raag Bihag in Amsterdam. You can see the focus and emotion that goes into playing a traditional raga, creating a meditative experience.
A moment during the 'Night of the Sitars' in Amsterdam, performing Raag Bihag with Heiko Dijker on Tabla. This shows my experience performing pure classical music on international stages.
A wider shot from the 'Night of the Sitars' concert, with the beautiful blue curtain backdrop. The setting is just as important as the music for creating the right mood.
Another angle from the Amsterdam concert, capturing the joy and concentration of a live classical performance.
About Classical Roots: Soulful Ragas & Duets
When I perform these classical sets, I often bring my brother, Khurram, on the tabla. We do not just play notes, we communicate through them. Because we have grown up playing together, our coordination feels effortless, which makes a massive difference for intimate setups like private dinners or morning mehfils where the music needs to breathe and stay conversational.
My approach to the sitar is heavily influenced by the Etawa style, which focuses on the fluid, vocal-like quality of the instrument. When you hire me for a classical set, you are not getting background noise. You are getting a performance that respects the Raga.
Whether it is the meditative depth of Raag Bihag or the brightness of Shudh Kalyan, I tailor the repertoire to the time of day and the mood of your audience. I perform either as a solo artist or in a jugalbandi (duet) format with a professional tabla player. This is perfect for:
- Private Mehfils: Where listeners want to sit close and experience the nuances of the strings.
- Cultural Events: Where the focus is on heritage and traditional bandish compositions.
- Corporate Dinners: Where you need a classy, calming atmosphere that allows guests to talk without the music overpowering the room.
I have performed in spaces ranging from the historic Amstelkerk in Amsterdam to quiet, intimate living rooms in Delhi and Mumbai. The setup is straightforward. I bring my professional-grade sitar and personal microphones, and we work with your venue's sound team to ensure the audio is crisp and non-intrusive. If you are looking for that specific blend of traditional technique and emotional performance for your event, let us talk about your requirements.
Mehtab Ali Niazi
Namaskar. I am Mehtab Ali Niazi. For me, the sitar is an extension of my own voice, and these ragas are my way of offering something pure to the room. Whether it is a quiet morning or a formal evening gathering, I focus on the conversation between the strings and the listener.
Find the right vibe for your event
Explore other musical formats or artists if you need something different.
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