When Taal Aligned

The performances were on 14thh and 15th. I sang “Tujhko Dariyadili Ki” by Jagjit Singh ji and “Duniya Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein” by Mehdi Hasan ji. My only fear was staying in taal with the tabla. That fear has always been there. Every time I’ve practiced before on my tabla app, there has been at least one moment where I slipped out of beat.

But not that day.

For the first time in my life, I sat with the manual tabla and sang — and it flowed. Effortlessly. Naturally. As if something was holding it together beyond me. I was honestly astonished. That day, I truly understood what people mean when they speak of God’s grace and the blessings of their gurus. I used to wonder why traditional musicians speak like that. Now I know — because sometimes, it genuinely feels like something greater steps in when your own belief wavers.

When I wasn’t fully believing in myself, my teachers’ faith carried me. It felt like the art wasn’t just mine anymore — it was being protected. Maybe I’m exaggerating a little. But when something you’ve always struggled with suddenly aligns perfectly on the most important day, it feels sacred. Everyone was proud. I was happy. And more than that — I was grateful.

The next day was the Shivratri sound healing gathering. I chanted mantras and sang bhajans. That too flowed smoothly. I’ll be sharing some videos from it soon.

After that intense spiritual and musical high, I shifted into full focus mode for my label release on 20th February. It was hectic — constant calls, research, coordination, figuring out distribution, building systems. But now, we have a website, a working distribution model, and production in place.

We are officially an independent music label.

And I’ve already submitted songs for release.

The most beautiful part? I’m learning every single day. In music. In faith. In business.

The process itself is becoming the reward.

On Stage, Behind the Scenes

Tomorrow, I’ll be performing a ghazal at an event organised by Dhaivat Aarambh Academy, under the guidance of my gurus. They gave me this opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m deeply grateful for it. This will be my first time performing with a harmonium and tabla. I’ve never actually sat down with a manual tabla before, so this feels like a new beginning in many ways.

I’ve been practising a few ghazals by Jagjit Singh ji and Mehdi Hassan sahab. There’s a quiet excitement mixed with uncertainty—and I think that’s exactly how it should be. Let’s see how it goes.

This academy event brings together every student and teacher on the same stage, and being a part of that feels special. The very next day, I’ll be performing at a sound healing session, where the focus shifts from performance to presence—through alaaps and bhajans.

The day after that, the work behind the scenes begins again. I have meetings with two music distributors, where I’ll be finalising distribution for my label. Later, Tumul—my friend and co-founder of February’s Favourite—and I will sit down to complete our website.

20th February marks the official launch of the label.

Right now, this is the rhythm of life.

There are five artists, including myself, with songs ready for release. Over the coming month, three to four events are already lined up, all presented by the company. 

I’m looking forward to every bit of work ahead..