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Tabla Solo Performances: Faroukhabad Gharana

byRoopak KallurkarTravels for shows across IndiaView full gallery

Experience the expressive depth of the Faroukhabad Gharana. I bring the rhythmic stories of the tabla to life, whether for intimate baithaks or formal concert stages.

A moment of deep concentration during a live tabla performance. When I play, it feels like speaking a language without words, a sentiment beautifully expressed by the great Anindo Chatterjee.

Lost in thought with my tabla. Each performance is an opportunity to capture the beauty of life, one rhythm at a time, and share that feeling with the audience.

A candid shot from a recent concert where I accompanied the esteemed vocalist Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi. Even when accompanying, there are moments where the tabla gets to shine.

Performing on stage with my tabla set, miked and ready. This was from a concert with Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi, where my role was to provide a solid rhythmic foundation for his vocal artistry.

A portrait from a musical event organized by Ekatvam Music. Music is life's sweet refrain, a way to express the echoes of joy, love, and pain that we all feel.

A pensive moment during a photoshoot. For me, playing the tabla is a meditative experience, a way to connect with a deeper part of myself and the music.

On stage, fully immersed in the performance. The intricate patterns on my kurta mirror the complex rhythms I create on the tabla, weaving a rich tapestry of sound.

About this collection

For a solo tabla performance to truly resonate, the lehra—the melodic cycle that provides the base—must be precise. I always perform with an experienced harmonium accompanist, even in smaller settings, because the musical dialogue between the melody and the drum is what sustains the atmosphere for the audience.

In the Faroukhabad Gharana, the tabla is not just a percussion instrument; it is a storyteller. My solo recitals are structured to guide listeners through the journey of a raga, starting with the steady, contemplative patterns of the Vilambit (slow tempo) and gradually building intensity into the rapid, complex calculations of the Drut (fast tempo).

When you book a solo recital, we aren't just filling time. We are creating a space for listeners to appreciate the intricacies of Indian classical music. For intimate baithaks or drawing-room gatherings, I keep the format conversational, explaining the bols (rhythmic syllables) and structures as I play. This makes the performance accessible for those who are new to Hindustani music.

For larger concert halls, the focus shifts to technical precision. I require a professional sound setup, specifically monitor wedges so I can hear the dialogue between my tabla and the accompanying harmonium or sarangi. Whether it is a prestigious festival stage in Bengaluru or a dedicated classical music event across the country, my goal remains the same: to ensure the rhythm creates a connection that words often cannot.

AIR B-High graded Tabla artistApproved by the tribe
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Roopak Kallurkar

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

I grew up with the rhythm of the tabla thanks to my father and guru, Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar. Music isn't just my profession; it is how I find calm and share my energy with the world.

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