Every Performance tells a story. Every Rhythm leaves a memory

From Intimate Classrooms to Concert Stages - Explore moments that define my Musical Journey

The Beginning

An elderly man dressed in white and an older man wearing a red turban are sitting together, holding a newborn baby wrapped in blankets. The background shows a wall with religious or cultural items and framed pictures.

A Blessing that became a lifetime of Rhythm

Held in the arms of the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha Khan Sahib, when he whispered Tabla bols into my ears.

The Lineage

An elderly man with a white beard and yellow turban playing two traditional Indian drums, sitting in front of a microphone, with a dark, blurred background.
A man with gray hair wearing a red shirt playing a tabla on a stage with microphones.

Ustad Kulwinder Singh

Ustad Fazal Quereshi

Born into the Punjab Gharana tradition, I received my Earliest training from my Father, Ustad Kulwinder Singh, a disciple of Ustad Alla Rakha Khan Sahib,
Today, I continue my journey under the Guidance of Ustad Fazal Quereshiji, preserving and expanding this rich musical heritage,

Sharing Stage with Legends

Late Ustad Zakir Hussain

Musicians performing Indian classical music on stage, with four musicians seated and playing tabla drums, a vocalist with a harmonium, and a percussionist with drums, all dressed in traditional Indian attire.
A group of musicians performing on a stage with traditional Indian instruments, including tabla drums and other percussion, with two singers seated at the center. The stage has a large back curtain with a colorful painting or tapestry of a dancer, and banners on either side that read 'Celebrating the Guru-Shishya Tradition'.

Ustad Fazal Quereshi

Group of Indian musicians performing on stage, playing traditional instruments under stage lighting.
Group of six people sitting on stage playing traditional Indian drums called tabla, with microphones set up in front of them, against a dark blue curtain background.

Pandit Ravi Chary

Musicians dressed in traditional attire performing on an outdoor stage at night with a palace in the background and illuminated arches behind them.
Group of musicians performing on stage with traditional Indian instruments, decorated with chandeliers and floral arrangements.

Sarbjeet Singh Shibu

Two men practicing Indian classical music on stage, one playing tabla and the other playing harmonium, with microphones set up.
Two men sitting on a white cloth playing Indian classical music instruments in front of a red and white sign that reads "Praacheen Kala Kendra." The man on the left is wearing a red turban and beige traditional attire, playing a tabla, while the man on the right is in a white shirt, playing a harmonium.

Ustad Kamal Sabri

Two men are seated on a stage, one playing a sitar and the other playing tabla drums. They are performing at an event with a pink backdrop and a banner behind them.

Ustad Dilshad Khan

Three musicians performing on stage at the annual Ustad Alla Rakha Sangeet Sammelan. The event took place on October 20, 2018, in New Delhi. The musicians are playing traditional Indian instruments, with a large screen behind them displaying event details and logos.

Ustad Shaminder Pal Singh

Group of Sikh men dressed in white traditional attire and orange turbans performing Indian classical music. They are playing various instruments including a harmonium, tabla, and stringed instrument, seated on a white stage decorated with orange marigold garlands.

Solo Performance Journey

Celebrating the depth, discipline and expressive freedom of the Solo Tabla Tradition

A man wearing a yellow kurta and a turban playing a drum with a microphone attached, on stage with a dark background.
A man wearing a yellow turban, glasses, and a dark traditional kurta playing a pair of tabla drums on stage.
Two musicians dressed in traditional Indian attire performing on stage; one playing the tabla and the other playing a violin, with microphones set up in front of them.
Two men are sitting on a white cloth, playing traditional Indian musical instruments. The man on the left, wearing a pink kurta and a pink turban, is playing tabla drums. The man on the right, wearing a white kurta, is playing a harmonium. Microphones are positioned to capture the music, in a room with wooden and dark-colored walls.
Two men are performing traditional Indian music on stage, with one playing a flute and the other playing tabla drums, against a backdrop with ornate arches and a purple lighting scheme.
Two men sit on the floor, one playing tabla and the other playing harmonium, with microphones set up in front of them in a music studio or stage setting.
Three Indian musicians playing traditional instruments at a cultural event, with a green banner in the background.
Three men wearing turbans, sitting on the floor, playing musical instruments. The man on the left is playing a harmonium, the man in the middle is playing tablas, and the man on the right appears to be singing or listening. There is a blue sign with contact information on the wall behind them.

Artistic Collaborations

Two men sitting on a stage, playing traditional Indian musical instruments during a cultural event. A large banner behind them displays event details in English and Hindi.

Exploring musical dialogue through collaborations with artists across genres.

Three musicians performing on stage: a woman with a guitar singing, a man playing an acoustic guitar, and a person playing a drum set in front of a brick wall.
A musical performance on a small outdoor stage with traditional decorations, featuring four musicians playing instruments, surrounded by greenery and audience.
Four men dressed in white traditional attire and turbans, sitting on a stage with white cloth, playing Indian classical instruments: two tablas, a harmonium, and a sitar.
Two men performing on stage; one is playing a tabla and the other is playing a guitar, both wearing traditional Punjabi turbans and seated cross-legged.
Group of musicians performing on stage at an art and culture festival, with a large banner above them displaying event details and sponsors.
A musical performance at a cozy indoor venue with two women singing and playing instruments, a man playing a drum, a keyboard, and an audience member watching, decorated with wall art, a sign that says 'Northern Lights Home,' and hanging lights.
Indian classical musicians performing on stage with traditional instruments and singers, wearing white traditional attire, some with turbans.
A black-and-white photo of a musical performance on stage with three musicians playing instruments and a group of children and adults sitting and standing in front of the stage, enjoying the show.
Musicians performing on stage, including a sitar player, a guitarist, and a keyboardist, with a news channel logo in the background.
Two musicians performing outdoors on a makeshift stage, one playing tabla and the other playing a sitar, with palm trees and a fence in the background.
Three young men sitting at a table with microphones, musical instruments, and a water bottle during a performance or discussion in a room with red and white curtains.
A woman singing and playing guitar, and a man playing drums on a small outdoor stage with string lights and tropical plants.
Two men wearing traditional turbans seated on stage with musical instruments, microphones, and speakers, behind folding screens with colorful banners.
Three men wearing turbans and traditional attire are seated behind a decorated wooden tabla, performing at a cultural event on stage. Microphones are positioned in front of them, and a yellow curtain drapes the front of the stage.
Three men in traditional Sikh attire playing musical instruments called tablas during a cultural event. They are seated on the stage with a backdrop featuring lush green landscape and blue text banners.
Three men wearing white traditional attire and black turbans sitting on a yellow cloth, performing Indian classical music with traditional instruments, in front of an orange banner with black text and Sikh symbols, in an indoor setting with bookshelves and social distancing signage.
Three men sitting on the floor playing traditional drums, one of them is playing on a conga, another is playing a dholak, and the third on a tabla. The man on the left is wearing a black t-shirt and glasses, the man in the middle has a white t-shirt, and the man on the right is wearing a striped shirt and a turban.

Awards and Recognitions

A man wearing traditional Indian attire with a red turban and beard receives a framed certificate from an older man wearing glasses and a white kurta. Two other men watch and stand nearby in a formal setting.

Gold Medalist in Vishard from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh, India

Three men in traditional Sikh turbans sitting at a table with musical instruments, including a harmonium, tabla, and keyboard, during a cultural event called Hemant Utsav, with a decorative backdrop and a banner in bright colors.

Gold Medalist at Baba Harvallabh Sangeet Samelan Sangeet, Punjab, India

Golden award ribbon with red accents and hanging red ribbons.

Gold Medalist in Gurmat Sangeet Samelan, Punjab, India

Gold Medalist in Inverversity Youth Festival, Punjab, India

Media And Press

Photograph of a musical performance with five men in traditional Sikh attire, playing classical instruments on stage with a decorative yellow background and potted plant.

Translation:

Shahkot, January 12 (Pritpal Singh) - In connection with the Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, during the three-day Gurpurab celebrations at Takht Sri Harmandir Patna Sahib, students of Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Kendar Bhunga, Hoshiarpur district presented from the stage of Takht Sahib tabla playing and Shabad singing on the beats were highly appreciated by the congregation with the echoing of Jaikaras was done. The 'Dadra' presented by Gurjit Singh (13) was also commendable.

While talking to journalists, tabla Ustad Kulwinder Singh Jalandhar said that since the time of the Gurus, Jodi (Pakhawaj) was used in the ancient Kirtan tradition in Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar, where wheat dough was applied to the dhamas... Punjabi University Patiala's Vice Chancellor Dr. Jaspal Singh and the famous Panthic Ragi Jathas sitting on the stage highly praised the performance by Kaka Harjit Singh (19) Ludhiana and Kaka Surjit Singh (18), and the jugalbandi presented by tabla Ustad Kulwinder Singh Jalandhar's disciple Rabab Singh (17) and Jagmohan Singh.

Rabab Singh and companions presenting tabla at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, with Ustad Kulwinder Singh Jalandhar sitting behind. Picture by: Pritpal Singh

He said that through the efforts of the Gurmat Department of Punjabi University Patiala , Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Kendar Bhunga Hoshiarpur district, Ustad Baldeep Singh Delhi, and Ustad Sukhwinder Singh Namdhari Samparday are re-popularizing it, which we have started after taking the blessings of the congregation from the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Takht Sri Harmandir Patna Sahib.

Front page of Hindi newspaper 'Dainik Bhaskar' dated August 23, 2018, featuring a headline about Indian singer and tabla player Tahwa Mahpat performing, with three photos of him playing the tabla on stage.

Translation:

I am happy that I was born into a family associated with music. Got a guru right at home, and I got to learn. Still, on someone's suggestion, I applied for a scholarship in an academy. So that I could learn tabla. I got selected too, but I saw that other people had also come for the scholarship. There was no lack of talent in them; they just needed a little polishing. But I refused the scholarship myself. Because I thought people who are wandering to learn and find a good guru need the scholarship more than me.

This is tabla player Ishaan, who is from Mumbai. He arrived to perform at the All India Youth Tabla Festival in Sector-35 Pracheen Kala Kendra on Wednesday. On the third day of the festival, Rabab Singh from Mumbai, Ishaan, and Romaan Khan from Delhi performed. During this, we spoke to all three artists about their journey so far.

Ishaan, Romaan Khan, and Rabab Singh played the tabla fearlessly when I didn't know about the personality. Rabab Singh of Mumbai says I learned to play tabla from my father, Kulwinder Singh. He was a disciple of Zakir Hussain's father (whom everyone used to call Abba ji). I also went there during Abba ji's death anniversary. And played tabla in front of Zakir ji. But then I didn't know about him. When I came to this field, I came to know him. Now, whenever there is talk of performing tabla in front of him, I get scared. When I didn't know about his personality, I used to play fearlessly in front of him. Maintaining the family name is the biggest responsibility.

Romaan Khan is from Delhi. He says, whatever the field, when you move forward with it generation after generation, there is a responsibility. The same happened with me. Maternal uncle, grandfather used to play tabla. Even though my father is a sarod player, he has full knowledge of tabla. I took training from my maternal uncle and grandfather. Whenever I perform, there is a pressure in my mind that something should not go wrong, no mistake should happen. Because maintaining the name of my generation and taking it forward is the biggest responsibility. I work very hard for this. I want to earn a name only by becoming an artist. Teaching comes second in my life

Photograph of six men dressed in traditional white Punjabi attire, sitting on stage with musical instruments, during a guitar and music festival in Punjab, India, in 2007.

Translation:

Implementing Gurmat Sangeet in PU is commendable'. 

Ragis are inaugurating the Gurmat Sangeet Utsav at the Kala Bhawan of Punjabi University, Patiala. Our Correspondent, Patiala: In the Gurmat Utsav organised by the Department of Gurmat Sangeet at the Kala Bhawan of Punjabi University (PU), Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal said that the head of the department and the Vice Chancellor, Swaran Singh Boparai, deserve congratulations for implementing Gurmat Sangeet. Registrar Dr. B.S. Sandhu said that the university will continue to celebrate this music festival in the same way every year so that the new generation can be connected with music. In this way only Professor Dhesi said there is a need to stop the growing industrialization of music and Gurmat Sangeet. Appealed to institutions and individuals related to this field to run a Gurmat Sangeet awareness wave. Prof. Kartar Singh, Director Gurmat Sangeet Academy Anandpur Sahib, gave a presentation related to the ragas of Guru Granth Sahib, in which he discussed in detail the prescribed forms on all the ragas of Gurbani. Discussion was held on Ragas Asa, Majh, Suhi, Devgandhari, Wadhans, Gond, Nat Narayan, Maru, Prabhati, Kanra. Students of Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana mesmerized everyone by performing a solo tabla under the supervision of Ustad Kulwinder Singh, disciple of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan Sahib. During the program today, Chairperson of Sri Guru Gyan Prakash Foundation Bibi Jasbir Kaur Khalsa, Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Dean Faculty of Art and Culture, Dr. Amritpal Kaur, Dr. Navjot Kasel, Sarvjinder Singh, Apart from Nivedita Uppal, the winners and teams of Gurmat Sangeet competition were present.

A woman in traditional Punjabi attire speaking into a microphone, sitting at a table with a musical instrument.

Translation:

Taking great strides at a young age - Rabab Singh.

Rabab Singh, studying in eighth grade at Lyallpur Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Nakodar Road, Jalandhar, is taking long strides in tabla playing. From childhood, this child had an inclination towards music, which was keenly observed by his discerning father, S. Kulwinder Singh, who is himself a popular tabla player and is famous among his admirers as 'Ustad Ji', and inspired him to play the tabla. Rabab Singh was twelve days old when Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, who is his father S. Kulwinder Singh's Ustad, came to their house to bless him. Rabab Singh considers his father as his Ustad, who constantly familiarizes him with the nuances of tabla playing. Rabab Singh has associated his name as a traditional artist of the new generation in the great tradition of Indian culture, Gurmat Sangeet and classical music, by performing his art at the Annual Gurmat Sangeet Samagam at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Gurmat Sangeet Utsav at Punjabi University Patiala, Hemant Utsav organized by Sri Baba Harballabh Committee, Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan at Sri Devi Talab Jalandhar, and Guru Nanak College Doraha. Lyallpur Khalsa Sr. Sec. School Principal S. Gurnam Singh Saini told that Rabab Singh's father Ustad S. Kulwinder Singh has also been a brilliant student of this school. Rabab Singh says that he will preserve this great cultural heritage of his country and will serve alongside his father in the music services running at Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender Fatehpur, Bhunga District Hoshiarpur. Along with playing tabla, this child also studies with great dedication. The day is not far when Rabab Singh will emerge as a shining star in the world of music.

A newspaper article in Punjabi about a cultural event honoring Ustad Alla Rakha Sahab Ji Sammelan, with a photo of two musicians performing on stage.

Translation:

Annual Sangeet Sammelan in memory of Ustad Alla Rakha. Hoshiarpur, 26 September (Harpreet Kaur) - The son of Ustad Alla Rakha and world-famous percussionist Taufiq Qureshi demonstrated his art on 'Djembe' at Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender village.

Renowned tabla player Taufiq Qureshi demonstrated his art at Hoshiarpur. Picture: Harpreet Kaur. An annual music conference in the memory of eminent tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha was organised by Fatehpur at the local Hotel Presidency in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi. The chief guest of the event was Doordarshan's Additional Director General, Ashok Jailkhani. Harbans Singh Chandi inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp. Before Taufiq Qureshi the disciples of Kulwinder Singh from APJ College Jalandhar presented Shabad, Sufi singing and tabla playing. Dr. Prem Sagar of HMV College Jalandhar presented a sample of classical music. After this, Mr. Qureshi took the stage and mesmerized the audience for about an hour. Sukhdev Singh Namdhari accompanied him on the Lehra. The listeners exclaimed with praise when, along with the tabla, Mr. Qureshi presented rhythm with breathing techniques.

Kulwinder Singh, disciple of Pandit Alla Rakha and president of Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender, said on this occasion that the way Mr. Qureshi has given a new alphabet to the language of tabla is an example in itself. The stage was anchored by Dr. Manu of APJ College. Dr. Jagtar, Pandit Harbhajan Lal and other office bearers of Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender contributed significantly in making the event successful.

A newspaper page with two sections: the top section shows two men playing traditional Indian musical instruments, one playing a flute and the other a tabla. The bottom section contains multiple photos of a large gathering of seated men wearing turbans and traditional attire, with some men playing stringed instruments. The date on the newspaper is November 27, 2009, and it is written in Punjabi.

Translation:

Article 1:

Classical Music Competitions.

Atul Krishna playing the flute in the music competition.

Jalandhar. Classical music competitions were organized by the institution 'Sangeet Sankalp'.

These competitions, held in three categories, included rhythm playing, string playing, and singing.

In singing, Kamaljit Kaur of Kapurthala got the first place and Navneet Kaur got the second place, in string playing Gurmeet got first, Paramvir Singh second and Harjinder got the third place.

In tabla, Surjit got first, Jagmohan second, and Arvinder and Jagbir got the third place.

Rabab Singh received a consolation prize. Institution's President Deepak Bali, members Alankar Singh and Jyoti informed that the winners will be sent for the national competition to be held in Allahabad.

Ustad Kale Ram, Madan Rana, Gurmeet, and others were present on this occasion.

Article 2:

Tuesday, 27 October 2009.

Jathedar Tarlochan Singh and kirtan jathas connecting the visiting congregations with Gurbani at the grand Kirtan Darbar dedicated to Ustad Alla Rakha Khan organized at Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender Fatehpur. Classical music competitions were organized by the institution 'Sangeet Sankalp'. These competitions, held in three categories, included rhythm playing, string playing, and singing. In singing, Kamaljit Kaur of Kapurthala got the first place and Navneet Kaur got the second place, in string playing Gurmeet got first, Paramvir Singh second and Harjinder got the third place. । In tabla, Surjit got first, Jagmohan second, and Arvinder and Jagbir got the third place. । Rabab Singh received a consolation prize. Institution's President Deepak Bali, members Alankar Singh and Jyoti informed that the winners will be sent for the national competition to be held in Allahabad. । Rabab Singh received a consolation prize. Institution's President Deepak Bali, members Alankar Singh and Jyoti informed that the winners will be sent for the national competition to be held in Allahabad. Ustad Kale Ram, Madan Rana, Gurmeet, and others were present on this occasion. ਮਗਲਵਾਰ, 27 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ 2009 Tuesday, 27 October 2009. Jathedar Tarlochan Singh and kirtan jathas connecting the visiting congregations with Gurbani at the grand Kirtan Darbar dedicated to Ustad Alla Rakha Khan organized at Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender Fatehpur. Parents should give information about Sikh history and sacrifices to children - Jathedar Tarlochan Singh. Under the patronage of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a grand Kirtan Darbar dedicated to Ustad Tabla Vadan Alla Rakha was organized at Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender Fatehpur (Bhunga), in which Ragi Singhs, Kathavachaks and tabla players delighted the visiting congregation. । Singh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar Takht Kesgarh Sahib, specially participated in this Kirtan Darbar. । He said that Ustad Alla Rakha played the drum of his tabla in the whole world and educated many disciples, among whom Ustad Kulwinder Singh is also a disciple who has now started this center for the spread of education which is a very commendable effort. On this occasion Bhai Prakash Singh Sikhia Kender Fatehpur, Bhai Tarlochan Singh Kangmai, Bibi Gurpreet Kaur Santoor player, Sant Teja Singh Khuddewale, Bhai Sandeep Singh ਦਿਲਰੁਬਾ ਵਾਦਕ, ਭਾਈ ਬਮਿੰਦਰ ਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਾਰੰਗੀ ਵਾਦਕ, ਭਾਈ ਸਤਵਿੰਦਰ ਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਾਰੰਗੀ ਵਾਦਕ, ਭਾਈ ਮਨਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਹਜੂਰੀ ਰਾਗੀ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ, ਸੰਤ ਬਾਬਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮਪੁਰਾ, . Dilruba player, Bhai Baminder Pal Singh Sarangi player, Bhai Satwinder Pal Singh Sarangi player, Bhai Maninder Singh Hazoori Ragi Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar, Sant Baba Prem Singh Pritampura, . Alokar Singh Jalandhar, Sant Karnail Singh Jawaddi Kalan, Sant Baba Makhan Singh Daria, Sri Sangat Ram Jalandhar, and Senior Group Tabla Vadan and Junior Group Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender Fatehpur delighted with their Guru's knowledge. In this event, apart from others, Bhai Surinder Singh Chauhka, Dr. Harminder Singh Chak Khelan, Malkit Singh Dhugga, Raja Pritampura, Pavittar Singh also played an important role.

Newspaper clipping with large black Gothic-style title and a photo of a young man playing tabla drums. The article discusses a cultural event featuring traditional Indian music and dance performances.

Text:

The pull of tabla: Chhotey Ustads spell magic.

The young tabla players, admired as Chhotey Ustads, by inquisitive city music lovers continued to spell magic weaving improvised rhythmic patterns on their tabals on the third-day of the All-India Yuva Tabla Mahotsav underway at the ML Koser indoor auditorium on Wednesday.

The four-day long annual utsav organised by the Pracheen Kala Kendra, engaged in the proliferation and propagation of classical arts, featured three young tabla exponents.

Today's programme commenced with presentation by Ishaan Ghosh, son and disciple of tabla maestro Pandit Nayan Ghosh, who made an impressive display of unique rhythmic patterns. He presented special traditional pieces and won applause.

Rabab Singh took the centre stage to present another immaculate performance. He presented various tabla syllables and compositions (gats) with rela, kayada, palta and gats through specialised techniques and patterns of the Punjab ghrana tabla tradition.

The concluding performance of the day was presented by Romaan Khan, a disciple of Pitamah of tabla Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan. His performance was set to teen tal, gat, paran, chakradar paran, kayade rele, tihais.

Rajendra Banerjee accompanied on harmonium and Muddsir Khan on sarangi.

Chief guest Pandit Debasish Adhikary, Dr Shobha Koser, Registrar, along with Secretary Sajal Koser, blessed the artistes.

Front page of a Hindi newspaper titled 'Ajit Samachar' from August 23, 2018, featuring a large headline about a youth festival, with a photograph of two men performing traditional music. The top of the page includes the newspaper's name in bold red Hindi letters with publication details beneath, and a smaller photo of a young man playing tabla drums.

All India Youth Tabla Festival On the third day, the audience was mesmerized by the balanced performances of Ishaan Ghosh, Rabab Singh, and Romaan Khan.

Chandigarh, 22 August (Pathania): On the third day of the four-day All India Youth Tabla Festival organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra today, Ishaan Ghosh from Mumbai, Rabab Singh from Punjab, and Romaan Khan from Delhi entertained the audience a lot with

their performances.

All three young artists showcased their art and talent brilliantly.

Renowned Tabla Guru from Delhi, Pandit Debashish Adhikary, attended as the chief guest today.

Along with him, the Kendra's Registrar Dr. Shobha Koser, Secretary Sajal Koser, and other distinguished guests were present.

First of all, Ishaan Ghosh from Mumbai, who is the son and disciple of the famous tabla player Pandit Nayan Ghosh, started the program.

He gave a beautiful performance of relas, kayadas, palta gats in teen taal. After that, Ishaan presented some special traditional compositions of his gharana which the audience praised a lot.

Following this, Rabab Singh of the Punjab gharana took the stage and garnered a lot of applause by giving a vigorous performance in teen taal.

He beautifully presented relas, kayadas, and tihais on the tabla. The program concluded with Romaan Khan from Delhi , who garnered a lot of applause by performing vilambit, drut and madhya laya in teen taal.

Young tabla player performing during the All India Youth Tabla Festival organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra. (Photo: Kamaljeet Singh)

garnered applause. On stage with these tabla players, Pandit Rajendra Banerjee on the harmonium and Muddassir Khan on the sarangi provided excellent accompaniment

Kendra's Registrar Dr. Shobha Koser and Pandit Debashish Adhikary honored the artists by giving them mementos.

Newspaper article in Hindi featuring a music concert with a photograph of a man speaking at a microphone, a traditional musical instrument, and a group of women and men seated at the event.

Translation:

For Shri Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Mahasabha, which is engaged in the promotion and dissemination of classical music, this year's Hemant Utsav was a pleasant experience.

The classical music artists must be praised, who, ignoring the low attendance, gave their excellent

The vocals of Aviraj and the notes of Satish Vyas's santoor eliminated the feeling of the lack of audience.

The innocent palms and fingers of young children Rabab Singh and Surjit Singh created such a mood on the tabla that everyone exclaimed 'Wow'.

In this musical evening organized at Central Green, Satish Vyas presented Raag Chandrakauns on the santoor. The chiming of the santoor by Satish Vyas, one of the senior-most disciples of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, created a mountain-like atmosphere even in the plains of Punjab.

In vilambit, he presented two compositions. Earlier, Aviraj Tawde also kept the audience captivated with his classical singing. After performing in Raag Kalavati and Rageshwari, he presented two bhajans 'Ram Naam Ka Gungan Kariye'.

Before this, the disciple of Ustad Alla Rakha Khan Saheb, cast a spell. When Rabab Singh and Surjit Singh, students of Kulwinder Singh's academy, performed in teen taal on the tabla, everyone was left biting their fingers in amazement.

The program started with Saraswati Vandana 'Var De Veena Vadini' presented by the students of Dev Raj Girls Sr. Sec. School: Himani, Navjot, Ritika, Surbhi, Bhavna, Konika, Priya and Minni. The Saraswati Vandana was prepared by Pandit Ajaykant Gupta

On this occasion, the Mahasabha's President OP Seth, General Secretary Purnima Beri, SS Ajimal, Arun Mishra, Ustad Laxman Singh Seen, Manu Seen, Nutan Sehgal, Pandit Ramakant, and others were present.

 Classical singer Aviraj Tawde giving a singing performance. (2) Purnima Beri enjoying the Hemant Utsav, young tabla players Rabab Singh and Surjit Singh.

Front page of Dainik Savera Times newspaper in Hindi, dated August 23, 2018, featuring a large headline, a photograph of a man playing the tabla.

Translation:

Audience enthralled by the performances of Ishaan Ghosh, Rabab Singh, and Romaan Khan. Rabab Singh of Punjab giving

Chandigarh, August 22 (Rakesh): On the third day of the four-day All India Youth Tabla Festival organised by Pracheen Kala Kendra today, Ishaan Ghosh from Mumbai, Rabab Singh from Punjab, and Romaan Khan from Delhi entertained the audience with their performances.

All three young artists displayed their art and talent beautifully.

Renowned Tabla Guru from Delhi, Pandit Debashish Adhikary, participated as the chief guest today.

Along with him, the Kendra's Registrar Dr Shobha Koser, Secretary Sajal Koser and... giving a tabla presentation....other distinguished guests were present. First of all, Ishaan Ghosh from Mumbai, who is the son and disciple of the famous tabla player Pandit Nayan Ghosh, started the program.

He beautifully performed relas, kayadas, and palta gats in teen taal. After this, Ishaan presented some special traditional compositions of his gharana, which the audience appreciated very much.

Subsequently, Rabab Singh of the Punjab gharana took the stage and garnered a lot of applause by giving a powerful performance in teen taal.

He gave a beautiful presentation of relas, kayadas, and tihais on the tabla. The program was concluded by Romaan Khan from Delhi.

He garnered a lot of applause by performing vilambit, drut and madhya laya in teen taal.

Pandit Rajendra Banerjee on harmonium and Muddassir Khan on sarangi provided excellent accompaniment to these tabla players on stage

A Hindi newspaper front page from December 25, 2008, featuring a headline about a music competition won by Raja Badal. The page includes images of two young men playing tablas, a woman in traditional attire sitting cross-legged on a yellow cloth, and a row of six students at the bottom. The newspaper's title is Jagran City, and there is a smaller photo of a young man with a turban and beard, attributed to him.

Translation:

Article 1:

Singh first in Tabla playing. Jalandhar, at the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan during the music competition 2008 on the last day, junior category percussion competitions were held. In this, Rabab Singh from Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kendar Fatehpur district Hoshiarpur emerged victorious.

Article 2:

Rabab won the tabla playing competition. Senior Correspondent, Jalandhar: Rabab Singh of Jalandhar won the junior category percussion competition of the Shri Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Competition.

He impressed the judges considerably by performing in Ek Taal on the tabla.

Sukhchain Singh from Moga secured the second position. He presented Teen Taal.

Navgeet Duggal of Jalandhar stood third by performing on Teen Taal.

...Semi singing Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan In the classical competition , Shruti Kumar from Amritsar stood first. Shruti presented a thumri in Raag Mishra Bhairavi. AP Singh from Patiala presented a thumri in Raag Mishra Khamaj. Kamaljit Kaur from Jalandhar stood third. Kamaljit presented a thumri in Raag Pilu. Jagmohan Singh of Kapurthala presenting Roopak Taal.

Manjeet Singh giving a presentation of Teen Taal.

Rabab Sukhchain Navgeet Shruti AP Singh Kamaljeet

A newspaper article in Hindi with a headline, a photo of two men performing traditional Indian music on stage, and columns of text. The stage backdrop displays a circular emblem with the words "Pracheen Kendriya".

Translation:

Tabla Guru Adhikari reached Tabla Mahotsav. Chandigarh, 22 August (Pal): On the third day of the All India Youth Tabla Mahotsav at Pracheen Kala Kendra, Ishaan Ghosh, Rabab Singh, and Roman Khan gave performances.

Renowned Tabla Guru Pandit Debashish Adhikari from Delhi was present at the fest on Wednesday.

The program was started by Mumbai's Ishaan Ghosh, son and student of tabla player Pandit Nayan Ghosh.

Ishaan presented some special traditional compositions of his gharana which were highly appreciated by the audience.

The program was concluded by Roman Khan of Delhi. Pandit Rajendra Banerjee on the harmonium and Mudassir Khan on the sarangi accompanied them brilliantly.

A newspaper article in Punjabi featuring a photo of a musical group performing with traditional instruments, including a woman singing into a microphone, and three men playing drums.

Translation:

5th Sangeet Sammelan at Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender Fatehpur.

Announcement of giving Rs 5 lakh to the education center by Bibi Josh. Hariana, Oct 25 (Harmel Singh Khakh) - The 5th Ustad Alla Rakha Sangeet Sammelan was organized by Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Society at Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender Fatehpur (Bhunga), where Sarupad, Ashupreet, Anupreet, Pooja Preet, Khayal Gayan, Rabab Singh, and Jagmohan Singh jugalbandi pakhawaj, Amandeep Singh Punjabi University Patiala, Baby Lavneet, Gurjit thoroughly entertained the visiting music lovers.

This music conference was organized under the able guidance of Ustad Kulwinder Singh (disciple of Alla Rakha) in which Chief Parliamentary Secretary Bibi Mohinder Kaur Josh participated as the chief guest. Committee member S. Sarabjit Singh Pappu, Sarpanch Gurmeet Kaur Fabra, Sarpanch Rajinder Kumar Bassi Bajid, Avtar Singh Walia, District Advisory Committee member Prithipal Singh Josh, Prof.

were involved. On this occasion, they congratulated S. Kulwinder Singh. Ranjit Singh, Sucha Singh Tajpur, V.K.

by whom the effort of educating poor children by running a music academy is being made. Pankaj Mehta of Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhia Kender, Sham Saini

Sant Prem Singh Pritampur, Satinder Singh Raja,

Glimpses of the 5th Sangeet Sammelan held at Fatehpur (Bhunga) on this occasion. Amarjit Singh, Navdeep Singh, Bibi Jash announced giving Rs 5 lakh to Tabla Vadan Sikhia

Pictures: Harmel Singh Khakh. Maninder Singh, Pavittar Singh, Ranjit Singh Josh were present. Center Fatehpur (Bhunga).

Bhai Baldeep Singh Chairman Singh Josh was present in this conference.

The role of stage secretary during the Sangeet Sammelan was played by Kulwinder Anand Foundation Music Delhi, Pune and Chintan, M Upadhyay Kaur Music Department H.M.V.

College Jalandhar

A group of five Indian men dressed in white traditional clothing, sitting together, playing traditional percussion instruments called tablas, during a performance or tribute event.

Text:

TAAL TRIBUTE Ustad Zakir Husain made for a towering presence on the Shanmukhananda stage when his disciples paid a rhythmic homage to late ustad Alla Rakha Khan.

An annual musical extravaganza, Zakir's tribute to his father sees the coming together of some of the most followed and revered muscians across the world.

This year, it was percussionist Sivamani, sitar maestro Pandit kartick Kumar and mandolin exponent U Srinivas among others who performed to a packed auditorium.

A newspaper article celebrating a music event organized by Rhythm School of Indian Music on December 18, featuring young artists from New Zealand, India, and Canada, with details about performers and history of the school.

Transcription:

The article reports on Future Maestros, a programme organised by the Rhythm School of Indian Music (RSIM) to showcase young talent in Indian music and culture.

It says approximately 90 students participated. Young performers from New Zealand, India and Canada presented classical vocal, devotional and Sufi music, as well as group tabla performances.

The article specifically mentions:

Manjali Sharma — vocal performance

Gurpreet Singh — tabla trio

Vinayak Dev

Vipul Dev

Students from Amrit Indo-Canadian Academy, accompanied by teacher Harsharan Kaur, performing shabad and tabla.

Importantly for your portfolio, the article specifically identifies Rabab Singh as a young tabla performer and describes him as the son and disciple of tabla maestro Ustad Kulwinder Singh, who is himself a disciple of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha Khan.

Life Beyond the Stage

A studio microphone mounted on a stand with headphones resting on a wooden table, in a recording studio with soundproofing panels and warm lighting.

  • Recording down to the bone with Naomi Kalu and Jake Turner, April 2025.

  • Recording for Mumbai Sanskriti

  • Recording for King Clave | Planet Drum Ft. Mickey Hart - Playing For Change | Song Around the World

  • Recording with Dhrupad for NCPA

  • Fusion Recording with Ustad Fazal Qureshi Ji

  • Percussion Recording with Nitin Shankar Ji

  • Percussion Recording with Ravi Iyer Ji for Punjabi Sufi Song “Ishq Di Gulzar” By Simarjot Singh

  • Recording For Doordarshan