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Tabla Performances, Jugalbandi, and Classical Recitals

byRoopak KallurkarTravels for shows across IndiaView full gallery

A look at my journey through rhythm, from intimate home baithaks to high-energy concert stages. Whether it is a solo recital or a collaborative jugalbandi, I share my passion for the Faroukhabad Gharana with every beat.

This is a glimpse into my daily riyaz, or practice. It is where I connect with the tabla, exploring complex rhythms and compositions from the Faroukhabad Gharana. This dedicated practice is the foundation of every performance.

There is a special joy in creating music outdoors with friends. Here I am in a jugalbandi session with Hrishikesh Majumdar on violin and Sumanth Manjunath on flute, blending our instruments together in a beautiful natural setting.

On stage, every moment is about focus and connection. This was captured during a live Hindustani classical concert, where I was completely absorbed in the taal and the flow of the music, ensuring my percussion perfectly supports the main artist.

This is a cherished moment with my appa and guru, Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar. Learning from him is the greatest blessing, as this art is a legacy passed down through my family. We are seen here in a tabla duet setting.

A baithak, or house concert, creates an intimate atmosphere unlike any other. Here, I am performing for a small, engaged audience, where the energy between the artists and listeners is immediate and powerful. This performance included vocals and piano.

I believe music can be found everywhere, even in the quiet of nature. This is a short, artistic tabla solo piece I recorded outdoors, letting the sounds of the drums interact with the open space.

Performing at the Ekatvam Holi Music Festival was an incredible experience. This clip shows me accompanying the renowned Mysore Brothers in a Carnatic violin duet, a great example of fusing Hindustani tabla with Carnatic music.

About this collection

When I perform, whether it is an intimate baithak or a stage concert, I always prioritize the musical conversation between instruments. For a baithak, I handle the basic unplugged sound for smaller groups myself, but for larger stages, I recommend a quick sound check to ensure the subtle tonal layers of the tabla cut through the mix.

My musical journey is a blend of the classical rigor taught by my appa, Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar, and the joy of spontaneous collaboration. The Faroukhabad Gharana gives me a base that is both technical and expressive, allowing me to switch gears from a meditative solo recital to a high-speed rhythmic exchange in a jugalbandi.

I find my energy in the dialogue between instruments, whether it is accompanying a classical vocalist or exploring fusion with a flautist or violinist. My aim is to keep the rhythm dynamic and responsive. I have performed at major music festivals and quiet house concerts alike, and I adapt my setup to the venue size. If you are planning an event, think about the space; a small room allows for acoustic, conversational music, while a larger auditorium demands professional mic placement to capture the full resonance of the tabla.

I am always happy to discuss how my style of percussion can fit into your specific event, be it a devotional session, a private gathering, or a formal concert.

Trained in Faroukhabad Gharana by Pandit KallurkarApproved by the tribe
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Roopak Kallurkar

Travels for shows across IndiaStarting ₹18,000 Per Session (75 Mins)

I am Roopak, a tabla artist based in Bengaluru carrying forward the legacy of my father and guru, Pt. Rajgopal Kallurkar. I believe music is a language that connects us all, and I love bringing that energy to both large stages and small home gatherings.

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