East Meets West: Global Hits on Sitar
I love taking tracks you know—from pop anthems to Western classics—and giving them a soulful, unexpected twist on my sitar to bring a modern flair to your event.
My take on "Bones" by Imagine Dragons. This is my best creation to date, with intricate sitar layers that you have to hear with earphones. This is the kind of high-energy, unexpected fusion I can bring to your event.
You won't be able to 'Calm Down' after hearing this hit by Selena Gomez on the sitar. This is a perfect example of how I blend peppy global melodies with Indian sounds for a fun, groovy vibe.
A little tribute to Deadpool & Wolverine with my sitar version of NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye," shot against the iconic Petronas Towers. It’s all about having fun and bringing a bit of masti to the music.
When in Europe, play Mozart. A spontaneous rendition of Symphony No. 25 in the charming lanes of Lausanne. This shows my ability to blend Eastern instruments with Western classical music for a truly unique experience.
A melody for a special someone. My sitar cover of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, a timeless romantic song perfect for weddings and anniversaries.
Reimagining "Aasa Kooda" with the timeless charm of the sitar. This fusion bridges the old with the new, creating a vibe that's both contemporary and soulful.
Hopping on a trend with my sitar version of "All eyes on me." I love experimenting and showing how the sitar can fit into modern, viral music trends.
About East Meets West: Global Hits on Sitar
When I play a pop hit or a Western classic on the sitar, I do not just perform the melody. I layer multiple tracks to give it that rich, production-heavy sound you hear in my videos. Whether you want me solo to keep things intimate or with my full fusion band for a high-energy gala, we need to balance the acoustics. If your venue is a large ballroom, my full ensemble is the way to go; for private dinners, a solo or duo setup is perfect for that conversational, classy vibe.
I started out with the deep roots of Indian classical music, but I have always loved finding the groove in modern melodies. My 'East Meets West' performances are designed for people who appreciate the soul of the sitar but want music that resonates with their modern taste.
Why Fusion Works for Events
Music sets the tone before a single guest speaks. When I play at corporate product launches or galas, I avoid the standard background noise. Instead, I bring a unique soundscape that acts as a conversation starter. Imagine your guests arriving to the familiar tune of an Imagine Dragons track, but heard through the intricate, resonant strings of a sitar.
How We Can Set This Up
- The Solo/Duo Vibe: Best for cocktail hours, intimate dinners, or venues where you want guests to talk without shouting over the music. It is classy, calming, and stays in the background.
- The Full Fusion Band: This is my 6-piece ensemble—sitar, tabla, drums, keys, guitar, and violin. This is not background music; this is a headline act. It is perfect if you want to energize the crowd with high-tempo, concert-style fusion.
Technical Reality
To get the best sound, we need to talk logistics. For the full band, I require a professional stage (16x12 ft) and a PA system to handle the mix of acoustic instruments and electric elements. For smaller setups, I am very flexible, but I always recommend using a dedicated sound engineer to ensure the sitar layers come through clearly. I am based in Mumbai and Delhi, but I travel across India frequently to perform at events.
Mehtab Ali Niazi
I grew up with the sitar as my prayer, but I have always loved finding the groove in modern music. Whether I am playing a classic raga or turning a pop anthem into an instrumental piece, my goal is to make you feel something real.
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