Portraits & Behind the Scenes
Music happens on stage, but the real journey is in the preparation. Here is a glimpse into my life as a musician, from concert rituals to the quiet moments with my instrument.
A moment of reflection after a successful show in Kolkata. Each performance is a learning experience and a reason to feel inspired.
Another portrait from my trip to Kolkata. As a traveling musician, I get to see many beautiful places and meet wonderful people.
A portrait taken during a concert tour in Gujarat. Even when I am by a lamp, I try to be the brightest in the room with my positivity.
A selfie before a performance at NMACC, wearing my traditional kurta and shawl with pride. My roots are a very important part of my identity.
Dressed in a bright yellow kurta for a performance. The way we dress is also a part of the presentation and respect for the stage.
A simple, smiling portrait in black and white.
My companions in Mumbai. Sometimes, the tablas themselves are the subject. They have their own stories and have been with me on many journeys.
About Portraits & Behind the Scenes
My tabla sets are my constant companions, carrying the weight of years of practice. Whether I am preparing for a performance at the NMACC or tuning my drums for a studio session, the care I put into the instrument is just as important as the performance itself. It is a quiet, personal process that happens long before the music begins.
Music is a 24-hour commitment. My days are split between the rigour of riyaz, keeping the Punjab Gharana traditions alive, and the logistics of performing. For me, a portrait is not just a photo. It is a moment of gratitude.
When I am on the road, from Kolkata to Gujarat, my tablas travel with me. They are matched to the scale of the venue, and ensuring they sound perfect requires patience and deep focus. When you engage me, you are not just getting a musician. You are getting someone who understands that the theka, or rhythm pattern, must support the emotion of the room.
Whether it is a studio recording where we need absolute precision or a live concert where the energy shifts with the audience, I approach each task with the same discipline my Ustadji taught me. I do not play for the applause. I play for the clarity of the bols and the sincerity of the rhythm. If you are looking for someone to add authentic, classical tabla layers to your next project or live event, this is the approach I bring to every collaboration.
Surjeet Singh
I am Surjeet Singh, a tabla artist rooted in the Punjab Gharana. For me, music is a spiritual practice, whether I am performing at a concert or spending quiet hours in riyaz.
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