Ustad Wajahat Khan

Ustad Wajahat Khan is acclaimed as a sarod master, but hails from the illustrious Imdadkhani sitar gharana – his family include Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Shahid Parvez, and Ustad Imdad Khan. He chose to deviate from his initial vocal and sitar training in his early teens, adapting his family’s ideas to the fretless context of the sarod instead.

Since then he has worked with orchestras, string quartets, and flamenco guitarists, splitting his time between Kolkata and London and performing widely. He has modified his instrument, adding a bass string, and toured in a group with his family known as ’50 fingers of Imrat Khan and sons’.

Ustad Wajahat Khan graced the Darbar Festival in 2013 with a captivating performance alongside the renowned tabla virtuoso Akhram Khan. Their collaboration brought a rich blend of intricate rhythms and soulful melodies, showcasing the deep synergy between the sitar and tabla. Ustad Wajahat Khan’s performance was a testament to his exceptional command over the sitar, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that captivated the audience with every note and rhythm.

“The many important innovations and musical evolution that came through my family, especially in the last three generations, have largely shaped and influenced instrumental performance of Indian classical music up until today.”

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