Meeta Pandit

Hindustani Khayal vocal

3 minute read

Meeta Pandit is a renowned khayal singer from the Gwalior gharana. Her grandfather Pandit Krishna Rao Shankar and father Pandit Laxmanrao Krishnarao were her first gurus – she is the sixth generation of musicians in the family, but the first woman from the lineage to perform professionally. Her brother Tushar was expected to carry the family style forward, but he was tragically killed in a road accident in 1994, leaving Meeta as the tradition’s principal young exponent.

She has more than lived up to the responsibility, using her 3-octave vocal range to sing khayal, tappa, tarana, bhajan, thumri, and Sufi song forms. She recently completed a PhD on the musical history of her family, turning it into a book in 2018 (Pandits of Gwalior).

“My training was not so different from that of my ancestors hundreds of years ago. In our family we have kept certain methods constant.”

Meeta Pandit performed at Darbar Festival 2018, where she showcased her mastery of the Gwalior gharana tradition alongside Mukundraj Deo on tabla. Her performance captivated audiences with its rich melodic depth and intricate rhythmic interplay, reaffirming her place as one of the foremost torchbearers of her lineage.

Meeta Pandit sings Raag Multani, recorded by Darbar in Mulshi, Maharashtra.

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Alam Khan | Full Concert

Raags Performed: - Raag Madhu Malati - Raag Chandranandan - Raag Mand Musicians : - Alam Khan (Sarod) - Pandit Yogesh Samsi (tabla) Meet Alam Khan, a master sarod player and torchbearer of the legendary Maihar gharana. Son of the iconic Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Alam continues his family's rich musical legacy with profound artistry. Barbican At the Darbar Festival 2023 in London, Alam delivered a mesmerizing performance, accompanied by the esteemed Pandit Yogesh Samsi on tabla. Their collaboration showcased the depth and dynamism of Hindustani classical music, captivating audiences with intricate ragas and rhythmic interplay. More About the Raags: At the Darbar Festival 2023 in London, sarod virtuoso Alam Khan and tabla maestro Pandit Yogesh Samsi delivered a captivating performance that honored the rich legacy of the Maihar gharana. The concert opened with Raag Madhumalati, a creation of Alam Khan’s father, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. This raga blends elements of Madhuvanti and Malati, weaving a tapestry of romantic and serene moods. Its melodic structure evokes a sense of sweetness and tranquility, setting a contemplative tone for the evening. The duo then transitioned into Raag Chandranandan, another of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan’s innovative compositions. This raga is a fusion of four traditional ragas: Malkauns, Chandrakauns, Nandkauns, and Kaushi Kanada. The name "Chandranandan," meaning "moonstruck," reflects its ethereal and introspective character. The performance showcased the raga's depth and complexity, highlighting the seamless interplay between the sarod and tabla. Concluding the recital was Raag Mand, rooted in the folk traditions of Rajasthan. Known for its light and festive nature, Mand is often associated with semi-classical forms like thumri and ghazal. The artists' rendition captured the raga's playful essence, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and fulfillment. This performance not only celebrated the innovative spirit of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan but also demonstrated the enduring vitality of Hindustani classical music through the artistry of Alam Khan and Pandit Yogesh Samsi.