Riyaz: The Foundation of Punjab Gharana Tabla
The stage is only half the story. This is the quiet, disciplined space where the music is actually built, beat by beat.
A close up view of my hands during riyaz, or daily practice. This is a short clip of me working on a complex composition in Rupak taal, a rhythmic cycle of 7 beats. The endless hours of practice are where the real music is made.
At home, practicing a 'kayda' composition by the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha Khansahab. Riyaz is not just about technique, it is about internalizing the language of the gharana.
A quiet moment of practice at home. This is where I spend most of my time, working on my craft and preparing for upcoming concerts.
An informal riyaz session with a fellow musician. These casual sessions are great for experimenting with new ideas and enjoying the music in a relaxed setting.
More fun from a practice session with santoor artist Ninad Daithankar. We often challenge each other to guess the raag and taal of a new composition.
About Riyaz: The Daily Practice
When you hear a tabla recital, you are hearing the result of these hours. Whether I am dissecting a Kayda by Ustad Alla Rakha Khansahab or working on complex Rupak taal cycles, this practice is what keeps my Punjab Gharana roots grounded. It is never just about getting the speed right; it is about internalizing the language of the instrument so that when I perform for you, the music feels like an honest conversation rather than a rehearsed set.
The Discipline Behind the Sound
Music isn't just something I do on stage; it is a daily dialogue. For me, riyaz is the most crucial part of being a musician. It is where the Punjab Gharana tradition—passed down through my Guruji, Pt. Yogesh Samsi ji—truly lives.
Why This Matters for Your Event
When you hire a musician, you aren't just paying for the time they spend at your venue. You are paying for the years of rigorous practice that allow them to handle the unexpected.
- Adaptability: Because I spend time deconstructing rhythms in practice, I can adapt to the pitch and style of vocalists or instrumentalists instantly.
- Authenticity: My training focuses on crisp nikas (clarity of strike) and resonant bass. These aren't effects I turn on at a concert; they are the standard I maintain in my practice room every single day.
- Depth of Knowledge: I don't just play; I understand the mathematics behind the tihai (rhythmic patterns). If your event requires a specific mood or a deep dive into Indian classical music, I can explain the history and the science behind the compositions as I play.
Whether it is a solo recital or accompanying a Santoor player like Ninad Daithankar, the goal is always the same: to create an experience that feels raw, real, and technically sound. I travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Area and Pune to bring this authentic sound to intimate baithaks and larger festival stages alike. If you are looking for a musician who treats every performance with the same focus as a private practice session, I would love to connect.
Onkar Todkar
I'm Onkar. I spend my hours in riyaz, keeping the Punjab Gharana tradition alive, not just for the stage, but because it’s how I make sense of the world. Music isn't just a performance for me; it's a daily conversation.
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