---
title: "Global Crossover: Western Hits on Sitar for Events"
description: "Experience a unique blend of Indian classical and Western pop. I perform sitar fusion covers of global hits for private and corporate events across India."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/global-crossover-western-hits-on-sitar
last_updated: 2025-09-22
---

# Global Crossover: Reimagining Western Hits on Sitar

Tribe Verified · 7th-generation musician with global performance experience

By [Mehtab Ali Niazi](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi) · Available for concerts across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and pan-India · ₹1.8L Per Performance (60-90 Mins) (estimate)

Part of [World Music & Fusion Concerts](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/gallery)

I believe the sitar speaks a universal language. From Mozart to modern pop, I blend the deep soul of Indian classical music with the rhythms of global hits for a fresh, unexpected sound.

## Photos and videos

- [Video: While walking through the charming lanes of Lausanne, Switzerland, a Mozart melody popped into my head. I sat down and played his Symphony No. 25, creating a spontaneous moment of East-meets-West.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b244e346-4c85-41ee-827f-0af9edc13ae9)
- [Video: It's hard to 'Calm Down' when you hear this hit by Selena Gomez and Rema. Here is my take, bringing a touch of the East to this peppy global melody with layered sitar grooves.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a2e7cc33-2e90-4ba2-96d1-b6eaec13976b)
- [Video: My sitar version of NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye," inspired by the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' trailer. It was a fun way to end my South Asian tour, blending 90s pop nostalgia with the sound of the sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a5ee386d-9a49-4679-bac0-65327785fad8)
- [Video: A dedication to someone special with my sitar cover of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri. Some melodies are universal in their emotion, and I hope you can feel the love in every note.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bea694f1-7539-4bb9-b615-f79e929c5304)
- [Video: My sitar interpretation of "Ghost" by Justin Bieber. I wanted to capture the hauntingly beautiful melody of the song, creating a fusion that is both modern and soulful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5decad37-5528-4a43-b89f-dac6ee9b3241)
- [Video: Here is my sitar cover of "Middle of the Night." This was a personal experiment in creating a new space for Western fusion, exploring how the sitar can fit into a pop and hip-hop soundscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e5eb4df-91f1-4cbc-a4c9-5e28c77817aa)
- [Video: Trying my hand at the "All Eyes on Me" trend. It was an interesting challenge to adapt this groovy, rhythmic track to the sitar, and I had fun with it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a8f1c0d2-2216-4f42-a8f7-1f3952329d3a)
- ![A casual shot of me with my sitar. This look was for a reel where I covered a popular Alan Walker track, blending electronic music with the organic sound of my instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da7c7f83-2b0c-4e53-b192-ebbd287e32d7)
- ![Another portrait from the Alan Walker cover shoot. The simple, modern styling reflects the contemporary nature of my fusion projects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4a7f71de-0709-4bcb-b047-1738ab82faab)
- ![Posing in front of a historic building in Mumbai. The contrast between the old architecture and my modern approach to music is a theme I often explore.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf50de4d-5e57-428b-920d-2f092bdab9bf)
- ![A candid moment, checking the tuning of my sitar during a photoshoot. Even in a modern context, the fundamentals of the instrument remain the same.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3c1532cb-231c-46fe-b90d-7628a6fe8c26)
- ![Walking through the streets of Mumbai with my sitar. My instrument is my constant companion, whether I'm on stage or exploring a city for inspiration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a8caab0-a284-45dd-8f8b-45af0d622ea2)
- ![Adjusting the tuning pegs of my sitar. This photo captures the hands-on, personal connection I have with my instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3467ca0e-2769-4761-9ac7-58c70c8d1a9e)
- ![A moody, black-and-white photo from the "Middle of the Night" shoot. The dramatic lighting and shadows reflect the atmospheric vibe of the track.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f924e337-d3b5-4499-b827-519211412e0b)
- ![Playing my sitar against the backdrop of a historic building at night. This image captures the feeling of blending ancient sounds with a modern, urban environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0556d03d-2329-4d8f-951b-f386ef5e8ca5)
- ![A quiet moment during the "Middle of the Night" shoot. The setting, near an old church, adds a layer of history and soul to the contemporary music I was creating.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c4b8365d-7dbf-4418-838c-12e631a1ebf5)
- ![A full-length shot holding my sitar. This photo showcases the instrument itself, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that I use to bridge musical worlds.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c345bc8d-e51f-4811-a0fa-6c0ea72e1e1e)
- ![Another artistic shot from the "Middle of the Night" session. The low light and upward gaze create a sense of contemplation and musical introspection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/20016cdf-84f8-4fc4-975c-74b09875eb9a)
- ![A black-and-white portrait capturing a moment of deep emotion while playing. The couplet I shared speaks of a love so intense it's almost overwhelming, a feeling I often channel into my music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d1c1d0bc-9b19-4b09-ad21-355a7fe44813)
- ![A black-and-white photo from my "All Eyes on Me" shoot by the sea. The stark contrast and thoughtful pose hint at the creative process behind the music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d98101a-ae77-4658-afe6-2632a0f63fca)
- ![A color portrait from the same seaside shoot. The warm sunlight and relaxed posture capture a different mood, showing the versatile nature of my musical explorations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c881105a-c9a6-48e6-9bfb-11757bc2566b)
- ![A black-and-white photo from my "Bones" cover shoot. The urban setting and casual attire reflect the modern, edgy vibe of the Imagine Dragons track.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b42b15d-15ba-4990-8424-e56af4c44684)
- ![Sitting on the steps of a modern building in Mumbai. This image juxtaposes the traditional sitar with a contemporary architectural backdrop, mirroring my musical philosophy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4988c727-ea8f-477c-ab84-c7fccf33d6c8)
- ![A sun-drenched shot from the "Bones" photoshoot. The light breaking through the trees adds a hopeful, atmospheric quality to the image.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31bd4e81-7471-45e5-92a8-c4d31964a825)
- ![Holding my sitar against a stone wall. The texture of the wall contrasts with the smooth wood of the instrument, creating a visually interesting composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8a41f68d-8467-4783-b8dd-482d0e416483)
- ![A candid moment from the "Bones" shoot, looking happy and relaxed. Creating these fusion pieces is a joyful process, and I think this photo captures that.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bee31d92-3108-46dd-ac8a-306a144a2101)
- ![Another shot from the "Bones" session, capturing a sense of movement and energy. It reflects the dynamic and powerful nature of the song itself.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/420b3c16-b36b-467b-9d28-e231df996ee5)

## About Global Crossover: Western Hits on Sitar

Adapting a Western pop melody for the sitar is not just about playing the notes; it is about reinterpreting the rhythmic soul of the track. I use specialized contact pickups that allow the sitar to cut through modern soundscapes, whether I am performing with a stripped-back acoustic trio or a full rock fusion band.

When I approach a cover, whether it is a Mozart symphony or a contemporary pop anthem, I look for the melody that resonates with the character of the instrument. The sitar is incredibly versatile, but it requires a careful hand to balance its resonance with the percussive needs of Western genres like jazz, rock, and hip-hop. 

My fusion work often starts with a question: How can this sound travel from the ghats of Varanasi to a stage in Amsterdam? By layering the sitar with instruments like drums, bass, and keys, I create an ensemble experience that feels familiar to pop listeners yet retains the technical depth of classical Indian music. For private events and concerts, I offer two distinct setups. The acoustic fusion trio provides a sophisticated, unplugged vibe perfect for intimate gatherings, while the full rock fusion band uses a high-energy arrangement with a dedicated sound engineer to transform the sitar into a lead rock instrument. If you are planning an event, consider the mood you want to set; I am happy to discuss which ensemble fits your venue and guest list best.

## About Mehtab Ali Niazi

I am Mehtab, and my sitar has a wanderlust of its own. Whether I am playing a Mozart concerto in a quiet Lausanne lane or bringing a pop anthem to life in a Mumbai studio, my goal is to make you feel something new. My music is a bridge between the tradition I inherited and the global soundscapes I love.

[See all of Mehtab Ali Niazi's services](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi)

## More from World Music & Fusion Concerts by Mehtab Ali Niazi

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/featured)
- [The Mehtab Ali Niazi Experience: Live Fusion Concerts](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/the-mehtab-ali-niazi-experience-live-fusion-concerts)
- [Original Music & Albums](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/original-music-albums)
- [Bollywood & Ghazal Reimagined](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/bollywood-ghazal-reimagined)
- [Sitar Across The World: International Tours](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/sitar-across-the-world-international-tours)
- [The Classical Soul: Pure Ragas & Duets](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/the-classical-soul-pure-ragas-duets)
- [Behind the Scenes & Press](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/behind-the-scenes-press)
- [Legacy & Inspirations](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/legacy-inspirations)

## More services by Mehtab Ali Niazi

- [Indian Classical & Devotional Concerts](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/indian-classical-devotional-concerts)
- [Live Music for Private & Corporate Events](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/live-music-for-private-corporate-events)

## Similar work from other experts

- [Modern Sitar Fusion & Live Band Performances](https://mytribe.in/dhruv_bedi/live-sitar-performances/sitar-fusion-rock-electronic-global-collaborations) by Dhruv Bedi · Live Sitar Performances · Performs across Delhi NCR and travels across India for events
- [Bollywood & Indie Song Covers on Sitar & Zitar](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/studio-recording-session-work/bollywood-indie-song-covers) by Hardik Verma · Studio Recording & Session Work · Available for studio sessions in Mumbai, Varanasi, and across India
- [Featured Sitar Performances](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/live-sitar-performances/featured) by Arjun Anand · Live Sitar Performances · Available for events in Bengaluru and across India
- [Sitar Covers of Bollywood and Regional Hits](https://mytribe.in/chintankatti/studio-session-recording/bollywood-regional-covers) by Chintan Katti · Studio & Session Recording · Visits studios across Mumbai and travels pan-India for recording sessions
- [Indo-Western Fusion Live Music for Events](https://mytribe.in/sarahshipchandler/live-band-musician-for-events/indo-western-fusion-covers-our-unique-sound) by Sarah Shipchandler · Live Band & Musician for Events · Performs at events across Mumbai and travels pan-India
- [Tabla Fusion and Pop Song Covers](https://mytribe.in/tablaism/tabla-lessons/pop-fusion-covers) by Jasmehar Singh · Tabla Lessons · Online classes and in-person lessons across Delhi

## Book

To book Mehtab Ali Niazi, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Mehtab%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Western%20hits%20on%20sitar%20and%20would%20love%20to%20discuss%20a%20fusion%20performance%20for%20my%20upcoming%20event.)