Fusion Sitar Collaborations: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
My roots are in Indian classical music, but I love exploring new sonic landscapes. From ensemble performances with the Anirudh Varma Collective to fusion experiments with piano and drums, I enjoy blending traditional sitar with contemporary sounds.
An excerpt of Raga Miyan Ki Malhar from a live performance with the Anirudh Varma Collective Quartet. This collaboration blends traditional vocals, sitar, and tabla with the contemporary sound of the piano.
The official poster for our single ‘Kaahe Karat’ with The Anirudh Varma Collective, released as part of Soundchk Season 2 by Merchant Records. This project is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation.
The joy of seeing an audience appreciate a new composition is immense. This photo was taken during a concert with The Anirudh Varma Collective, just after we performed a piece created only a day before.
A post-performance picture with my wonderful fellow musicians after a beautiful concert for the Ministry of Finance in Delhi. Collaboration is at the heart of so much of my music.
"MOH" is a track from Project Damru, a collaboration with the talented Ishaaqa Chakraborty. This song explores the journey of love through a blend of electronic, world, and classical music.
A behind-the-scenes look at the soundcheck for a show with the Anirudh Varma Collective. The hard work of the musicians and the technical teams is crucial for a successful concert.
A collaboration with the wonderful singer Pavithra Chari on the song "O Saathi Re" from the film Omkara. It is always a pleasure to interpret beautiful Bollywood melodies on the sitar.
A green room picture with the acoustic set of The Anirudh Varma Collective after a private concert in Ahmedabad. The camaraderie between musicians off-stage is just as important as the chemistry on-stage.
An evening of music with my dear friend and brilliant musician Anirudh Varma at a private event in Kolkata. The warm ambiance made the evening truly special.
An announcement for our song "Kaahe Karat" with The Anirudh Varma Collective, released as part of Soundchk Season 2 by Merchant Records. We were very excited to share this track.
About Exploring New Sounds: Fusion & Collaborations
True fusion is not just about mixing instruments; it is about finding the common ground where the sitar's depth meets the piano's resonance or a vocal melody's nuance. When we collaborate, especially with groups like the Anirudh Varma Collective, we spend hours rehearsing to ensure the 'vazan'—the weight and soul of the notes—is never lost in the arrangement. It is about creating a deliberate conversation between genres rather than simply layering sounds.
Whether it is a theater production like 'Monsoon Wedding' or a release on Merchant Records, my approach to collaboration remains the same: deep respect for both the classical foundation and the new context.
Working with the Anirudh Varma Collective has been a significant journey in this regard. We experiment with the classical quartet format, blending vocals, sitar, and tabla with instruments like the piano. For the audience, this translates to a performance where you might hear a traditional raga structure evolving into a contemporary soundscape.
Collaborations, particularly the Jugalbandi Fusion Trio, require rigorous preparation. Unlike a pure classical concert where spontaneity dictates the flow, fusion requires structured rehearsal to synchronize with melody instruments like the flute or violin, and percussionists. I also find joy in interpreting cinematic melodies, such as my work on 'Omkara' with Pavithra Chari. This challenges me to bring the emotive power of the sitar into a familiar, melodic space.
If you are planning an event where you want the familiar warmth of the sitar combined with a fresh, modern energy, these collaborations offer a bridge for your guests to experience Indian classical music in a completely new light. Logistically, these performances typically require a 6 to 8 channel sound setup to balance the acoustic sitar with other instruments, ensuring the subtleties of the raga are not overpowered.
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