Behind the Scenes: My Journey with the Tabla

You only ever hear the final rhythm, but the real work happens in these quiet moments of riyaaz. Before every performance, I spend significant time tuning my Dayan and Bayan. Getting the sur exactly right for the specific scale of a song is where the true craftsmanship lies, and it is something I focus on heavily during my home tuition sessions as well.

The journey of a Tabla player is not about the final stage performance. It is defined by the countless nights spent in isolation. When I sit down for riyaaz, it is not just about moving my fingers across the bols. It is a spiritual exercise. I often get asked why I spend so much time adjusting the tension of the puddi. The answer is simple. If the tension is off by even a fraction, the resonant ge or the sharp na loses its clarity.

Whether I am preparing for a Gurbani Kirtan session at a Gurudwara or setting up for a Bollywood fusion cover, this preparation is non-negotiable. I view my instrument as a companion that needs constant care, from skin maintenance to climate adjustments in Delhi's varying weather.

In my lessons, I emphasize this side of the craft. Beginners often want to jump into complex tihai or chakkardaar patterns, but I urge them to first find their comfort with the instrument’s physical nature. If you cannot tune it, you cannot play it. This is why my home tuition packages in Delhi NCR include hands-on maintenance, where I teach students how to read their own instrument’s needs. It is about building a relationship with the Tabla that goes beyond just playing notes. It is about understanding the pulse of the music you are trying to create.