Jan 14 2026 to Jan 14 2026 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

A simple, resonant idea turned into an immersive, evocative performance.

Led by vocalist Samarth Nagarkar, this programme looks at khayal as a tradition shaped by centuries of dialogue through devotional song, folk expression, courtly aesthetics, and theatrical imagination. Light, space, and sound work together to draw listeners into the unfolding emotional landscape of the raag.

Music endures not by remaining closed, but by absorbing, listening, and transforming. This evening’s performance is a true testament to the trends that have become tradition.

In collaboration with:

Supported by:

Performers

Samarth Nagarkar
Vocals
Samarth Nagarkar is a globally recognized flag-bearer of Raga music, known for a richly traditional yet deeply emotive, meditative, and introspective style. Trained by distinguished gurus Ulhas Kashalkar and Dinkar Kaikini, he represents the Gwalior, Agra, and Jaipur gharanas and is a former scholar of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy. He performs worldwide both as a soloist with The Samarth Nagarkar Khayal Ensemble and as a collaborator across jazz, Iraqi maqam, conducted improvisation, and Western classical music. A voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys) and recipient of NAKA’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in the Arts, he is also a founding member of Brooklyn Raga Massive and co-curator of its Colors of Raga series. His work spans multiple albums, the acclaimed book Raga Sangeet, and innovative digital initiatives through Raga Sangeet Creative, where he pioneers new pathways for audience engagement, education, mentorship, and monetization in Indian classical music.

Suhail Yusuf Khan
Sarangi
Suhail Yusuf Khan is a distinguished sarangi player and vocalist carrying forward the illustrious lineage of his grandfather and first guru, Ustad Sabri Khan. Raised in an affluent South Delhi neighborhood, Suhail combined rigorous traditional training—initially under his uncle Kamal Sabri, later as a ganda-bandh disciple of Sabri Khan—with the broad perspective of an English-medium education and exposure to diverse musical worlds. While he grew up “crazy about the sarangi,” overcoming his grandfather’s early hesitation to let him pursue the demanding instrument, his dedication led to mastery of its nuanced ornamentation and refined raga interpretation—qualities that set him apart among his generation. Equally at home in classical and contemporary idioms, Suhail became a pioneering voice in India’s fusion scene through his work with the band Advaita, later touring the UK and Germany and performing at festivals such as Glastonbury. Charismatic, versatile, and grounded in a deep classical sensibility, he continues to open new pathways for the sarangi while honoring the traditions he inherited from his legendary musical family.

Tanmay Bichu
Tabla
Tanmay Bichu began learning tabla at the age of six, under Pt. Manohar Pimpalaskar. He continued his advanced training under Pt. Ramdas Palsule for more than ten years and is now learning under Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri at the Ali Akbar College of Music. He is an active performer in various Indian Classical and World Music concerts in India and the US. He has performed several Tabla solos in India and the US and is a sought after accompanist for all formats of Indian Classical Music: vocal, instrumental and dance. Tanmay holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and works as a research engineer at Nikon in the Bay area.