Awards, Lineage & My Musical Journey
Music is a lifelong safar (journey) of learning. Here is a glimpse into the recognitions, the mentors, and the tradition that define my approach to the tabla.
A selfie after being awarded the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Award for the second year. I feel truly blessed and thankful to God for these honors.
On stage, receiving the fellowship award at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Mumbai. It is a prestigious award for young and promising musicians.
Bowing in gratitude after receiving the award. Humility and respect are the greatest lessons my Gurus have taught me.
A group photo with fellow awardees and the President of Shanmukhananda, Dr. V. Shankar ji. It was wonderful to share this moment with other talented artists.
A photo with all the recipients of the Sangeetha Pracharya Award and the M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship. A truly memorable day celebrating music.
Another photo from the award ceremony, holding the honor with pride. The portraits on the medallion are of the great musicians in whose name the award is given.
My Dada Guru (grand-teacher), the legendary Ustad Allarakha Khan Sahib. He was the Khalifa (head) of the Punjab Gharana and his contribution to tabla is immeasurable. I am a humble student in his lineage.
A photo with my Guru, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji. He is my guide and my inspiration. On Guru Purnima and every day, I seek his blessings.
This is a summary of my musical journey, detailing my training in the Punjab Gharana under my Guruji, my educational background, and my beginnings in music.
About Awards & My Musical Journey
Receiving the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship for three consecutive years has been a humbling reminder of the discipline required to serve this art form. Every accolade is ultimately a testament to the guidance of my Guru, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji, whose teachings shaped my rhythm and my values. When you collaborate with me, you are bringing this rigorous, traditional Punjab Gharana lineage directly into your studio session or project.
The Punjab Gharana Legacy
My tabla playing is not just about technique; it is a direct continuation of a lineage. I am proud to carry forward the teachings of the Punjab Gharana, deeply influenced by my Dada Guru, the legendary Ustad Allarakha Khan Sahib. My training under Ustad Joginder Singh Ji has been about more than just speed or complexity—it is about 'Khula Baaj' (open hand resonance) and the sincerity of every 'bol' (syllable) spoken on the drum.
Why Awards Matter
Being recognized with the M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium is an honor, but it also creates a standard. It keeps me accountable. Whether I am playing for a high-profile classical concert, a spiritual Gurbani Kirtan, or a studio recording for a new composition, the expectation is the same: absolute dedication to the 'sur' (melody) and 'taal' (rhythm).
My Commitment to Your Music
I treat every project as a piece of my own musical journey. I do not just show up to play; I listen to the track, understand the mood, and ensure the tabla adds depth rather than just filling space. My approach involves:
- Collaborative Mindset: I work with producers to ensure the rhythm sits perfectly with the melody.
- Technical Precision: From mic placement to tuning the 'syahi' (black patch) to the exact scale of your song.
- Cultural Depth: Bringing the nuances of traditional compositions, such as Qaida, Rela, and Gatt, into contemporary fusion or cinematic scores.
If you are looking for a sound that is authentic, raw, and rooted in classical tradition, I am here to help bring that vision to life.
Surjeet Singh
I am Surjeet, and for me, the tabla is a spiritual connection first and a profession second. My music is deeply rooted in the Punjab Gharana, passed down through my Ustadji, and I approach every studio session or live performance with the same respect. I am just a student of this great art form, trying to do justice to the bols and taals every single day.
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