A Glimpse Into the Life of a Tabla Artist
Behind every performance is a journey of daily riyaz, travel, and deep dedication. See what goes into preparing for the stage.
A close-up of my hands during a riyaz session, practicing a 'Kayda' composition by Ustad Amir Hussain Khan Sahab. Daily practice is the foundation of my art.
A short clip from my practice, working on a traditional 'Gat'. Riyaz is not just about technique, it's about internalizing the rhythm until it becomes a part of you.
A casual riyaz session at home. These are the quiet moments of dedication that make the performances on stage possible.
At the airport with my brother Abhishek Borkar, ready to depart for our 2024 USA tour. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
A happy group photo with students and music enthusiasts after a workshop. It is always a joy to share my limited knowledge and connect with the next generation of artists.
Practicing on my brand new tabla from Bharat Kakade. Here I am trying to play a beautiful composition by my Guruji, getting a feel for the new instrument's tone.
Exploring some 'laggis' during a riyaz session. These are light, folk-inspired rhythmic patterns that are often used to accompany genres like Thumri and Ghazal.
Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with a composition by Ustad Habibbudin Khan Sahab. Music and devotion are deeply intertwined in our culture.
More snippets from my daily riyaz. These clips show the focused effort required to maintain clarity and speed in different traditional compositions, from Delhi Gharana kaydas to Banaras fards.
More snippets from my daily riyaz. These clips show the focused effort required to maintain clarity and speed in different traditional compositions, from Delhi Gharana kaydas to Banaras fards.
About Behind the Music
Before every performance, I spend at least an hour on mic placement and tuning multiple dayans to match the specific pitch of the main artist. This technical preparation is just as important as the performance itself because the audience deserves sound that is balanced, whether we are in a concert hall in Mumbai or on tour internationally.
Riyaz is the backbone of everything I do. People see the final concert, but the real work happens in the quiet hours of the morning or late at night. My daily practice includes deep dives into specific compositions from the Farukhabad, Punjab, and Banaras gharanas. Whether it is a complex Kayda or a delicate Gat, my goal is always the same, to make the instrument sing in a way that respects the teachings of my Guruji, Pt. Yogesh Samsi ji.
Touring brings its own set of challenges. Packing professional concert-grade tablas for an international flight requires more than just a case. It requires an understanding of how climate and pressure changes affect the wood and the skin. When I travel, I carry multiple dayans to ensure that I can adapt to the tuning needs of any vocalist or instrumentalist I am accompanying.
I often get asked about how to approach traditional repertoire. It starts with discipline. My classes and workshops are designed for students who want to move beyond surface-level techniques and understand the mathematical beauty of the taal. Whether you are looking for solo tabla recitals or professional classical accompaniment (sangat) for your event, my approach remains grounded in the same discipline I bring to my daily practice. Music is a conversation, and I am always ready to listen.
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