INTRODUCING THE BAND
Aadarsh M Nair
He is a teacher, performer, and researcher in Carnatic vocal music, specializing in Music Therapy. A senior disciple of Guruvayoor Professor T.V. Manikandan, he is one of the most sought-after young Carnatic vocalists in the capital. Known for his versatile voice and expansive repertoire, he is also dedicated to training the next generation of musicians through a unique and focused approach to teaching.
Manohar Balatchandirane (Pronounced Balachandran)
Recognized as New Delhi’s finest young Mridangam artist, he began performing professionally at five under Guru Kumbakonam Shri N. Padmanaban and later trained with Shri B.C. Manjunath. He has accompanied renowned artists like Padma Shri Smt. Geeta Chandran, Padma Bhushan Raja Radha Reddy, Padma Shri Jayarama Rao & Vanashree Rao, Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan, and Vidwan Shriram Parasuram. His accolades include the National Bal Shree Honour, Ministry of Culture Senior Scholarship, C. Subramaniam Award, and Kala Bhushan.
Mahavir Chandrawat
Mahavir began his tabla training at the age of five under Pt. Ravinder Soni, later studying under Pt. Mukund Bhale and Padma Shri Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. He refined his Dholak and multi-percussion skills under the percussion duo Shri Ravi Rakesh. A Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship awardee, he has performed extensively across India and abroad, including on A.I.R. and Doordarshan. He was also part of the acclaimed musical ‘Monsoon Wedding’, directed by Mira Nair, with music by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Ravinder Rajput
Beginning his musical journey at five, he trained in the flute under Pandit Kailash Sharma at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Raised in a musical family, he developed a deep passion for rhythm, leading him to explore various percussion instruments. A double scholarship holder from Sahitya Kala Parishad, he has performed for over 15 years at major festivals, including the National Youth Festival (Guwahati) and the Delhi Festival of Young Musicians and Dancers. His rhythmic versatility makes him a unique melodic and percussion instrumentalist.
Saptak Sharma
He is a rising tabla exponent of the Ajrada Gharana, having trained for 16 years under Ustad Akram Khan. A Ministry of Culture Scholarship recipient, he was awarded the Mohan Upreti Yuva Pratibha Samman and recently collaborated on a United Nations peace melody with Grammy-winning composer Anthony Paul De Ritis. He has performed at festivals such as WOMAD (Australia), Festival of India (Russia, Kuwait, Maldives), Jaipur Literature Festival, and Dunedin Fringe Festival (New Zealand). An active session artist, he is also part of The Anirudh Varma Collective and has collaborated with French flautist Samuel Bricault.
Soumendra Goswami
Soumendra was born into a musical family and began learning tabla at three under Sh. Shambhu Nath Roy, later transitioning to sitar at seven under Pt. Kushal Das. He is a Junior Scholarship recipient from CCRT and holds the Scholarship to Young Artists from the Government of India. In addition to his musical achievements, he earned a physics degree and a gold medal-winning master’s in Music (Sitar) from Delhi University. His deep-rooted understanding of Indian classical music continues to shape his evolving artistry.
Varun Rajasekharan
A leading Ghatam artist and multi-percussionist based in Delhi, he trained under Kalaimaamani Shri A. Prem Kumar, Taalmani Shri P. Vetriboopathy, and Vidwan Shri Giridhar Udupa. A Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship awardee, he has played with legends like Padma Shri Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, Padma Shri Geeta Chandran, and Pandit Abhay Sopori. Honored with the “TaalaVadhya Ekalavya” title, he has performed at festivals like the Chennai Music and Dance Season, Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, and Ganga Mahotsav. He is also a core member of The Revisit Project and The Anirudh Varma Collective.
