Life and Music Behind the Sitar
Music is my discipline, but it is also my life. These moments capture the days away from the stage, my travels for workshops, and the traditions that ground my sound.
Living a musician's dream. This photo was taken after conducting a workshop at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.
I was thrilled to share the schedule for my band, The Anirudh Varma Collective's, USA tour. We performed in various cities and setups, from full ensembles to quartets and solos.
I cherish my collection of Kurtas, or 'Panjabis' as we call them in Bengali culture. Wearing one feels like wrapping myself in the coziness of my home and my land.
A closer look at the beautiful embroidery on a traditional 'Panjabi'. Each one tells a story and connects me to my Bengali roots.
The full view of a traditional Kurta or 'Panjabi'. This attire is more than just clothing; it is a connection to culture and history.
A candid moment of reflection. I believe in closing my eyes, inhaling deeply, and letting the music transport me to a place where time stands still.
About Behind the Music
Whether I am performing at the Berklee College of Music or sitting quietly for my daily riyaz at my GK II studio, the music remains the same. My life is a constant balance between these two worlds—the high energy of global concert tours and the silence of the studio where I teach the nuance of vazan (weight) to my students.
Music is not just what I play on stage; it is how I live. My path has taken me from the quiet corners of my practice room to the vibrant stages of institutions like the Berklee College of Music and beyond. People often ask about the discipline behind the sound, and the answer is simple: there is no shortcut. It is the years of dedication, the focus on the basics like Alankars, and the understanding of Gayaki Ang that define a musician.
My personal style, much like my music, is rooted in tradition. Wearing a traditional Panjabi is not just a style choice for me; it is a way of staying connected to my Bengali heritage while I navigate the modern world. Whether I am teaching online sessions for students in other cities or conducting a 2-day intensive workshop in Delhi, I bring this same philosophy of calm and consistency to every interaction.
If you are looking to start your own journey, whether to master the nuances of raga improvisation or simply to find peace through an instrument, I invite you to join our community at The Pink Lotus Academia. We focus on the fundamentals—hand positioning, stroke accuracy, and developing the right weight in your sound—ensuring that your growth is steady and authentic.
Soumitra Thakur
I am Soumitra, and I believe the sitar is a lifelong companion. I find my peace in the daily practice of riyaz and my joy in passing that same discipline to my students in Delhi.
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