Biography

I was born into a family of music lovers. Hence, from childhood I was exposed to all forms of music – Carnatic, Hindustani, Semi classical music etc. Also, since my early years since we were mostly based in South India, I was exposed to many forms of temple music and vedic chants. All these had a profound impact on me as I grew up. My early initiation in music was in Carnatic style of music on Saraswati veena along with some vocal training as well – since in the Carnatic music the Veena and Vocal music follow each other very closely.

I completed my Post Graduation in Physics from St.Xaviers’ College, Mumbai. It had one of the best music groups and library in the form of the Indian Music Group (IMG). I was part of the organization for 5 years – including as a Secretary of IMG. As an organizer, this kept my touch with music and musicians from all over India. In 1987, I started my training in Sarod under Pandit Pradeep Barot. It was also during this time that I met my ultimate mentor in the legendary veena player Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. On his advice, I continued my training in Sarod, the ultimate aim being to play Dhrupad on Sursringar. He also guided me on the way “to think about music”. On his untimely and sudden death in 1990, I came under the guidance of his equally illustrious brother and the legendary Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar.

I continued my passion and training in music along with my academics and later with my job. In June 2002, I quit my job to take up Dhrupad full time. On the advice of Ustadji, I went back to playing the Saraswati Veena since the Veena is the only instrument which is fully equipped to deal with all the nuances of Dhrupad. However, it still needed certain modifications and changes to make it a full fledged instrument for Dhrupad.

In the same year, I undertook a research project of designing and developing a new Veena – based on my understanding of Dhrupad and the limitations of the existing Saraswati Veena. The basic structure would be modelled on Saraswati Veena but modified to suit the Dhrupad style of singing / playing of my Ustads. I also studied some of the ancient treatises written on the making of Veena in the design / build of the new Veena.

This project was awarded a Research Fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India for the year 2004 – 06 under the title “North Meets South – Dhrupad on Saraswati Veena”. The Veena was completed in 2006, and since then i’ve been performing on the same.

A few snapshots of the instrument are given under “Photo Gallery“.

A couple of live recordings are also available under “Audio/Video“. Hope you enjoy it….