Punjab Gharana Tabla Performances & Artistic Milestones

There is a unique energy when playing for an audience. Here, I am presenting a beautiful composition of my Guru, a Chakradar, during a live concert. The connection with the listeners is a blessing, and I am always grateful for these moments of shared musical hazri.

I am humbled and honored to have received the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Award. This recognition is not just for me, but for my Gurus, my parents, and the timeless tradition of the Punjab gharana that I represent.

The language of tabla is spoken not just with the hands, but with the voice. In my lessons, I teach students how to recite the bols, as I am doing here for a composition in Roopak Taal. This practice is key to internalizing the rhythm before you play it.

This is me with my Ustadji, Joginder Singh Ji. The Guru-shishya parampara is the foundation of my learning and my teaching. Every lesson I share is a continuation of the knowledge and blessings he has so generously given me.

Clarity and power in every stroke are hallmarks of the Punjab Gharana style. This video gives a close look at the hand techniques and finger movements required to produce the distinct bols of our tradition. We will work on these details from the very first class.

The beauty of Indian classical music lies in its vast ocean of rhythmic cycles. Here, I am playing a traditional Qaida in Jhaptaal, a 10-beat cycle, surrounded by nature. It’s a reminder that rhythm is everywhere.

My Guruji composed this special Qaida in Teentaal, drawing inspiration from the powerful Pakhawaj drum. In my advanced classes, we explore such unique compositions that blend different classical influences while staying rooted in the Punjab gharana.