Tabla Grooves & Percussion

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One project I’m especially proud of is the album Walking On by Ananda Shankar, recorded at Real World Studios. I was the Tabla player and percussionist, bringing authentic Indian rhythms to a fusion of Eastern and Western sounds. During this session, Peter Gabriel visited the studio, heard my playing, and invited me to record Tabla on one of his tracks — a truly magical moment that marked a turning point in my career. This experience deepened my connection to world music and opened doors to many exciting collaborations. My role was not only to perform but to bring sensitivity and soul to the rhythm, complementing the unique fusion of styles in the album.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now, I’m focused on deepening my creative exploration by blending traditional tabla rhythms with contemporary sounds. I’m collaborating on an EP with my duo, Tala Tarang, where we fuse the melodic textures of tabla tarang and harp in an improvised, intimate dialogue. At the same time, I continue remote recording sessions with diverse artists worldwide, bringing authentic Indian percussion to new genres and productions. It’s an exciting time of growth and connection through rhythm, sound, and technology.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Yes — I highly recommend Eleonora Turner, a fantastic and versatile harpist, and a wonderful soul to work with. Her playing brings depth, elegance, and emotion to every project. While I’ve also worked with many artists outside the platform, I’m always open to discovering and recommending talented professionals here on SoundBetter. If a project calls for it, I’m happy to help connect you with the right creative collaborators.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both have their place — but for me, it’s all about capturing the natural tone and emotion of the Tabla. I record live performances using digital tools, but with an analog mindset: focusing on feel, depth, and authenticity over perfection. It’s not about the format — it’s about the feeling.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: To treat your music with care and respect, and to bring the best of my experience, sensitivity, and craft to every take. I’ll listen deeply, communicate clearly, deliver on time, and only send the final work when you’re completely happy with it.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the moment when rhythm and emotion connect — when a simple Tabla groove brings a track to life and adds something meaningful without overpowering it. Collaborating with artists from different backgrounds and helping their music breathe in a new way is always a rewarding experience.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Q: Do you have C / D / E Tabla to fit my track? A: I listen carefully to your track’s key and mood, then tune my Tabla accordingly. That might mean using the tonic, the fifth, or sometimes a note that best complements the harmony — all to ensure the Tabla sits naturally within the music and truly adds value to your production. Q: Can you work remotely? A: Absolutely. I record live in my treated studio and deliver high-quality WAV files digitally, making remote collaboration easy and seamless. Q: How do you approach adding Tabla to different genres? A: With years of experience working across a wide range of styles, I adapt my playing to serve the song — whether it’s classical, jazz, pop, or fusion — always respecting the sound, mood, and vision already in place.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Complex rhythms are all good and well when they fit, but often a simple groove carries a million words of silent emotion. Tabla playing isn’t just technical skill — it’s about conveying feeling and creating space within the music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I like to start by understanding your vision: What mood or feeling do you want the Tabla to bring? Do you have a specific rhythmic style or cultural influence in mind? I’ll also ask about the key and tempo of your track to tune my instrument perfectly. Lastly, I want to know how you prefer to collaborate — your feedback style and any deadlines — so I can tailor the process to fit your needs.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look for someone who listens — not just plays. Rhythm should elevate your track, not overpower it.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: If I were on a desert island, I’d take my custom-made Tabla and Tanpura to keep the rhythm and drone alive. And a few bottles of water — not just to stay hydrated, but to use as percussion instruments once empty!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I began playing Tabla at the age of three, guided from the start by curiosity and a deep love for rhythm. For over 30 years, I’ve performed, taught, and recorded across continents — from intimate classical solo recitals to electrifying arena and stadium tours — always evolving and connecting through the universal language of music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a blend of Indian folk and classical tabla technique, guided by improvisational instinct and emotional sensitivity. Rooted deeply in Indian rhythm traditions, it remains open and adaptable to the sounds of the world.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I’d love to work with Anoushka Shankar — she carries forward a beautiful legacy with grace and innovation, blending tradition with contemporary sounds in a way that deeply resonates with my own musical journey.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Leave room for silence. The space between notes is as important as the notes themselves — it’s where the emotion truly lives.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: World, cinematic, jazz, electronic, and fusion — but I’m always open to exploring new genres where rhythm can help tell a story.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is deep listening — to the colors of sound, the flow of rhythm, the silence between strokes, and the emotional intent of the track. This careful attention shapes everything I do, from my playing to how I collaborate with others.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring presence, precision, and feeling. My Tabla playing adds movement and atmosphere while honoring the space and story already created by the music. My aim is to enhance the authenticity and beauty that’s already there — often starting with a deep connection and feeling just before I begin playing. When I send the first draft, I usually say to the client, “This is what I would play if it were my track,” so you know you’re getting a sincere, heartfelt performance.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My process begins with fully listening — to your sound and vision, the vibe of your track, and the spaces between the notes. I carefully tune my Tabla to resonate with the key and mood of your music, then record live takes guided by my feeling and intuition. I’ll send you an MP3 preview so we can fine-tune together if needed, and once you’re completely satisfied, I deliver the final high-quality WAV files.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: With years of experience working alongside skilled engineers in world-class studios, I now record in a quiet, treated space using a carefully mic’d setup. This helps me capture the natural warmth and detail of my custom-made Tabla. I tune the instrument to fit your track’s key and aim to play in a way that matches the mood and energy of your music, so it feels like a genuine, heartfelt part of your sound.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I’m inspired by artists who’ve shaped rhythm and sound across cultures — from Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain to Mickey Hart, Dave Holland, and Steve Gadd. I also admire the energy of drummers like Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl, and Stewart Copeland, the creativity of Pink Floyd, and the musicality of Tommy Sims, Ringo Starr, Will Kennedy, and Needham. Each of them brings something unique to the conversation between rhythm and emotion.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I record live Tabla parts that bring emotional depth and rhythmic nuance to tracks across genres — from cinematic and jazz to world fusion, pop, and electronic. My aim is always to serve the music with sensitivity.