Performers
Experience an evening of profound musical dialogue as sarod exponents Shiraz Ali Khan and Dwiptanil Bhattacharjee present a captivating sarod duet rooted in the illustrious Senia Maihar Gharana tradition.
Drawing upon the rich legacy of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Dhyanesh Khan, and Ustad Aashish Khan, the artists will explore the depth and beauty of Hindustani classical music through expansive raga development, intricate melodic interplay, and spontaneous improvisation. The unique format of a sarod duet offers listeners a rare opportunity to witness two musicians engaging in a seamless musical conversation, balancing individual expression with collective artistry.
Accompanied by tabla artist Mainak Biswas, the performance promises an immersive journey through the meditative, rhythmic, and virtuosic dimensions of the Indian classical tradition. Whether you are a long-time connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this concert offers an intimate encounter with one of India’s most revered musical lineages, presented by artists dedicated to preserving and advancing its timeless legacy.
1. One idea or feeling you want to leave with the audience
A sense of quiet wonder and emotional connection to the timeless beauty of the monsoon ragas, and an appreciation of how living traditions continue to evolve while remaining rooted in their heritage.
2. Your favourite part of this event
The unfolding conversation between two sarod artists of the Maihar Senia lineage as they explore the many shades of a Malhaar raga—from the meditative expansiveness of the aalap to the vibrant rhythmic dialogue with tabla in the concluding section.
3. Three words that best describe the event
Evocative. Meditative. Exhilarating.
4. Your inspiration or motivation for this event
The monsoon has inspired generations of musicians, poets, and artists across India. This concert seeks to revisit that tradition through the lens of the Maihar Senia Gharana, celebrating the expressive power of the Malhaar ragas while sharing the depth, imagination, and emotional resonance that define this musical lineage.
Supported by:

Performers
Shiraz Ali Khan
Shiraz Ali Khan is a distinguished sarod virtuoso and torchbearer of the legendary Maihar Senia Gharana, carrying forward the musical legacy of Acharya Baba Allauddin Khan and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. Renowned for his soulful artistry and powerful command of the sarod, he has performed at leading festivals and cultural institutions across India and internationally. His collaborations include appearances alongside maestros such as Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and Bickram Ghosh. Through his performances, Shiraz Ali Khan continues to present the depth and timeless beauty of Indian classical music to audiences worldwide.
Dwiptanil Bhattacharjee
Dwiptanil Bhattacharjee is an accomplished sarod artist of the Maihar Senia Gharana. Initiated into the tradition by the legendary Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and trained under eminent gurus including Ustad Aashish Khan and Ameena Perera, he represents a rich lineage of Indian classical music. Known for his thoughtful musicianship and deeply rooted classical approach, Dwiptanil has performed extensively across India, Bangladesh, and Japan, appearing at prestigious festivals, cultural institutions, and international collaborations. His artistry combines tradition, sensitivity, and innovation, making him a respected voice in contemporary Hindustani classical music.
Mainak Biswas
Mainak Biswas is a dynamic and accomplished tabla virtuoso making his mark in the world of Indian classical music. A dedicated disciple of Guru Pandit Ashim Bhattacharjee, Mainak is emerging as both a soloist and an accompanist of the esteemed Farukhabad Gharana. His journey began at the age of five with a debut performance at the Aashish Khan School of World Music in Kolkata. Since then, he has evolved into a versatile percussionist, mastering not only the tabla but also the pakhawaj and drums, while performing extensively across India and internationally.
