--- title: "Fusion Sitar Collaborations: Classical Meets Contemporary Sound" description: "Experience the soulful sound of the sitar blended with modern fusion. Book expert fusion performances and collaborations for your events in Delhi NCR." canonical: https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/exploring-new-sounds-fusion-collaborations last_updated: 2025-09-22 --- # Fusion Sitar Collaborations: Where Tradition Meets Innovation Tribe Verified · Featured in Soundchk Season 2 performances By [Soumitra Thakur](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur) · Travels for performances across Delhi NCR and India · ₹35K Per Session (estimate) Part of [Sitar Performances](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/gallery) 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. ## Photos and videos - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/096bdc73-6651-4c0b-82f4-e852c8f4f8fb) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3aa64046-99be-4a73-af2a-670d3b0a9f55) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ef9cafc7-3d36-4f64-991d-7af0e443d3ff) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e7fce9c1-c60a-4f9d-b513-ad15e8c3d651) - [Video: "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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f4fbe8f-27a3-495f-a7f4-f156783940cc) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2db2cacb-f795-48fb-830c-c972d2f8bc34) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d164946e-d156-4708-a85d-99d841d26ec7) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c42ac1e1-21ac-47dd-8750-9c81701c6165) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6337100d-0a35-4ff3-aa3c-68b84eac84e0) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dbb2b338-64bd-450f-8314-6663d9b7f0e0) - ![I was thrilled to be a part of Soundchk Season 2. This promotional graphic features me with my sitar, representing my role in the Anirudh Varma Collective's classical fusion sound.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6614ddf0-b55a-423e-865f-0c36150eab66) - [Video: Spending time on stage with the incredible musicians of the Anirudh Varma Collective is always a joy. Here is a short clip of Raag Miyan Ki Malhar from our concert at the India Habitat Centre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abcf9254-3f69-45a8-bc0c-58cee254e61a) - ![A group photo with the audience after our concert with the AVC Classical Quartet at the India Habitat Centre. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66ad54d1-b919-4204-9b12-c78ed9d086f7) - ![Taking a bow with my fellow artists from the Anirudh Varma Collective and Odissi dancer Vrinda Chadha after our "Naya Swar" concert. It was a beautiful synthesis of music and dance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/187c9e8a-be09-4d6c-8831-ca77325aefdb) - ![A candid shot from our concert with the AVC Classical Quartet. The joy of creating music together is evident in these moments.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da3e5b55-75d9-4413-a6b9-0a9588522f97) - ![A wide shot of the AVC Classical Quartet on stage at the India Habitat Centre. Our quartet setup features vocals, piano, tabla, and sitar, creating a unique soundscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/882d83c7-935d-4ae2-835c-42eb7a7e6172) - [Video: A promotional clip for our concert with the AVC Classical Quartet at the India Habitat Centre, giving a taste of the vocals and sitar interplay.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e0d78772-013e-4faf-a1c1-c829136db0a7) - [Video: I had the wonderful opportunity to be part of a "Taal Vadya Kutchery" (rhythm-focused ensemble) organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. This clip features my sitar performance of Raag Kirwani within this diverse group of musicians.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3bb43ecb-b9ea-42ff-8e4b-4a72b6c565e8) - ![A group photo from our shoot for the Soundchk series in Mumbai with Salim Merchant. It was a memorable experience filled with creativity and excitement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/37196ba0-07fe-47f1-aade-f7638706005d) - ![It was an honor to meet and work with Salim Merchant during the Soundchk series shoot. His vision and passion for music made the project truly special.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/11dd7185-fdb2-4685-9799-bdeb92f133a9) - [Video: A short clip from a fun concert with the Anirudh Varma Collective in New York. We played for the Brooklyn Raga Massive, and the energy of the audience was incredible.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec306f91-b820-4934-ac42-d84ec96e386b) - ![A moment of significant bliss, captured during one of my concerts with the Anirudh Varma Collective in Dubai. The lighting and atmosphere on stage were magical.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a396a34b-be79-48fa-9974-1a9d2e8b196a) - ![Intense and fun moments on stage with the Anirudh Varma Collective. This photo, with its dramatic green lighting, captures the energy of our live shows.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec97833e-2169-4c45-a20e-534f0839072c) - ![A powerful black and white shot from a concert with the Anirudh Varma Collective. The silhouette of the sitar against the smoky backdrop creates a very atmospheric mood.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a1849db4-3d2d-4ec9-939c-89f8b806cd09) - [Video: It is always a joy to be on stage with my amazing friends from the Anirudh Varma Collective. This is a small clip of Raag Yaman from our concert at Museo Camera.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/377eacd4-6f22-43d4-88a4-ff12226e1264) - ![A promotional flyer for our "Classical Reimagined" concert with the Anirudh Varma Collective in Houston. We presented a unique perspective on Indian Classical Music with a 9-musician ensemble.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/433a2ebe-77fb-49a3-ab09-c3530b2dbf09) - ![My journey in music is also about experiencing other art forms. Here is the showbill from "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," a Broadway show I saw in New York.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/15e200e6-6317-4ace-ace0-a163a0972da0) - ![The playbill for the Broadway musical "Some Like It Hot." Witnessing such incredible talent and precision on stage is a huge source of inspiration for my own work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d21bc481-6cfd-4155-8156-f293a2bba867) - [Video: The curtain call for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway. The scale and artistry of such productions are truly mind-blowing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f2e6e23e-3076-40d6-b2d4-452982b3d341) - [Video: The final bows for the cast of "Some Like It Hot." The energy and talent on display were a great reminder of the power of live performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4f02cf9-78ad-4972-9bca-0e5c275c1920) - ![With my friends from the Anirudh Varma Collective outside the Shubert Theatre in New York after watching "Some Like It Hot."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/49e9314e-09e0-4069-bb74-79440ea15b99) - ![The official poster for the Anirudh Varma Collective's USA Tour in 2023. I was thrilled to be part of this exciting tour, which included full band arrangements, quartets, and solos.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2e096d43-a504-4b97-b4e1-fc8e87e9293a) - [Video: A glimpse of the full Anirudh Varma Collective band on stage. The sound is a rich tapestry woven from sitar, sarod, drums, guitar, bass, tabla, ghatam, and vocals.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5bb14cf1-7a24-4dc1-92be-101fdccfcd5e) - ![A flyer for our "Live in Concert" performance with the Anirudh Varma Collective in Delhi. This was a fundraiser concert for our US tour.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6093e43d-2f65-414f-aa28-b40371dc6ab0) - ![A moment of pure joy and laughter with my favorite drummer, Gregory miraculous, during my time in New York for the Monsoon Wedding musical.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e70432f1-a8d9-4ff4-af23-f9d7e6551dfa) - ![My New York family. This is the wonderful cast and crew of the Monsoon Wedding musical. It is an honor to work under the direction of Mira Nair.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9b45a01c-73f0-4bfc-83ea-cf73a3049900) - ![A night that still feels like a dream. The God of music, Ustad Zakir Hussain, came to see our show in New York. Receiving his blessings is the biggest thing I could have ever asked for.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2d7d2a00-51e6-4bcc-a6b8-a3628a6ddda0) - ![Another photo with the legend, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and my colleagues. His presence and encouragement mean the world to us as musicians.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e5cd1933-30c6-4fca-9dd0-97a5a3a1cfe6) - ![A personal moment with Ustad Zakir Hussain. I have grown up worshiping his music, and to meet him and speak with him was a surreal experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c13eb19-2ad2-468c-80a2-d25c22b06d53) - ![A photo from the empty auditorium at St. Ann's Warehouse in New York, where we performed the Monsoon Wedding musical.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e5d09bad-0976-403d-a6f2-60c7aa7d208b) - ![With my talented colleague Shreya Navile at the venue for the Monsoon Wedding musical. The friendships you build are one of the best parts of any project.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f9011a41-c3fc-4b34-966a-65bb0953b950) - ![Another photo with a dear friend and colleague from the Monsoon Wedding family, set against the beautiful marigold arch from the show's set.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/592d941f-0fdc-48a7-a751-3175e01f217f) - ![A candid conversation with my friend and fellow musician Mahavir, who played tabla in the Monsoon Wedding musical.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/979b4b35-7672-4150-b884-9ad66e3ae8da) - ![From the Gala night of the Monsoon Wedding musical, with my colleague Mahavir. The event was held under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d09c8dc-7885-48a8-a7f3-999d866d4317) - ![The musicians of the Monsoon Wedding musical at the Gala night in New York. A beautiful evening with talented friends.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/315779cd-b713-4831-ab05-376bf0b6e843) - ![A night to remember. The opening night of the Monsoon Wedding musical in New York was a blast, with luminaries like Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj, and Sharmila Tagore in the audience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6dce88cd-e409-415e-990b-5e8d2b5955b9) - ![It was an experience of a lifetime working with my absolute favorite, Mira Nair, for The Monsoon Wedding Musical in Doha. Being part of a production with such quality artists is always a great learning experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/259f0f46-c5ee-4129-895f-d8912aa77b43) - ![Making good music depends on many factors, including a good vibe on stage. I have learned so much by collaborating with other musicians, especially with The Anirudh Varma Collective.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6fa11944-0c39-430a-966f-999563df6614) - ![A moment of joy on stage with the Anirudh Varma Collective. I have been a part of this band since its inception and I say with pride, "I'm from AVC."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6e490464-52c8-41e0-93b9-3a604cca6feb) - ![A relaxed moment on stage. The connection with fellow musicians in the Anirudh Varma Collective allows us to create music that is both tight and spontaneous.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/afa2ad21-e49e-4a45-9d12-9e5554ed2f04) - ![Deep in concentration during a performance with the Anirudh Varma Collective. Each show is an opportunity to listen, interpret, and create something new together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7d97beac-0049-4e6c-8ff0-59b7b25c120b) - ![A perfect reunion of the Monsoon Wedding family in Mumbai after my show at IIT Bombay. It is wonderful to connect with these talented friends.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fce30ce2-dcd1-4daf-9293-2c12b0c04068) - ![The poster for our performance with the Anirudh Varma Collective at Mood Indigo, the festival at IIT Bombay.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/495ff153-cff0-44bf-b0f4-cc0fafcb32da) - [Video: A collaborative work with the genius saxophonist Julien Hucq, who arranged and produced this track. I truly enjoyed improvising on the sitar for this piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/558f0078-8aea-4168-9154-37f33dc9f45a) ## 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. ## About Soumitra Thakur I am Soumitra Thakur, and for me, the sitar is not just an instrument of tradition—it is a voice for new conversations. I thrive on the energy of collaboration, whether I am on stage with a symphony of instruments or recording a new fusion track. My goal is always to bring the soul of classical music into every space I inhabit. [See all of Soumitra Thakur's services](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur) ## More from Sitar Performances by Soumitra Thakur - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/featured) - [Solo Sitar: The Classical Experience](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/solo-sitar-the-classical-experience) - [The Baithak: An Intimate Musical Dialogue](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/the-baithak-an-intimate-musical-dialogue) - [Jugalbandi: A Conversation Between Instruments](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/jugalbandi-a-conversation-between-instruments) - [The Sadhana: Practice, Riyaz, and Studio Sessions](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/the-sadhana-practice-riyaz-and-studio-sessions) - [On The Road: Tours, Events & Press](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/on-the-road-tours-events-press) - [Moments with Maestros & Mentors](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/moments-with-maestros-mentors) - [Portraits & Musings](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/portraits-musings) ## More services by Soumitra Thakur - [Sitar Classes & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-classes-workshops) ## Similar work from other experts - [Fusion Sitar Music and Band Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/chintankatti/studio-session-recording/fusion-band-collaborations) by Chintan Katti · Studio & Session Recording · Visits studios across Mumbai and travels pan-India for recording sessions - [Contemporary Sitar Fusion Performances](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/live-sitar-performances/contemporary-sitar-fusion) by Arjun Anand · Live Sitar Performances · Available for events in Bengaluru and across India - [Modern Sitar Fusion & Live Band Performances](https://mytribe.in/dhruv_bedi/live-sitar-performances/sitar-fusion-rock-electronic-global-collaborations) by Dhruv Bedi · Live Sitar Performances · Performs across Delhi NCR and travels across India for events - [Major Concerts & Fusion Performances](https://mytribe.in/sitar_sumarani/live-sitar-performances/major-concerts-fusion-performances) by Suma Rani · Live Sitar Performances · Performs at venues across Bengaluru & India - [Sitar Fusion Concerts That Bridge Tradition and Modern Sound](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/featured) by Mehtab Ali Niazi · World Music & Fusion Concerts · Available for concerts across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and pan-India - [Jugalbandi & Musical Dialogues for Your Next Event](https://mytribe.in/drsumasudhindra/veena-concerts-live-performances/jugalbandi-musical-dialogues) by Suma Sudhindra · Veena Concerts & Live Performances · Performs across Bengaluru; Travels pan-India for concerts ## Book To book Soumitra Thakur, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskar%20Soumitra%20ji%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20booking%20a%20fusion%20performance%20for%20my%20upcoming%20event.%20Could%20we%20discuss%20the%20possibilities%20for%20a%20collaboration%3F)