Roopak Kallurkar

About

I see tabla as my mother tongue, taught by my appa and guru, Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar. When I’m on stage, I’m not just playing along - I’m having a conversation with the main artist, matching their mood and energy. My job is to listen first, then respond, building something new together every time.

How I Approach Accompaniment

Whether it’s a huge auditorium or a tiny baithak, I keep my focus on giving steady, sensitive rhythm that supports the lead. I like to keep things energetic and alive, but I never steal the spotlight. Even with senior maestros or close friends, I treat every performance as a fresh collaboration.

The Range of Music I Accompany

• Hindustani classical is my base, where I’ve played tabla for vocalists in khayal, bandish, and regularly join instrumentalists - sitar, bansuri, sarod, violin, you name it.
• I love Carnatic music too, and often play for jugalbandi concerts, especially those Hindustani-Carnatic fusion events where tabla meets mridangam.
• You’ll also find me at devotional music programs and bhavageete evenings, from intimate gatherings to big festivals like Mysore Dasara. For me, badukonthara bhavageete (life itself is like a light song).

Why I Do This

Everything comes from daily riyaz, but real magic is in the live exchange with artists and audience. Every concert, I feel lucky to be part of that shared energy.