Internationally acclaimed sitar virtuoso Shujaat Khan is one of the most distinguished and innovative figures in Indian classical music today.
A seventh-generation exponent of the illustrious Imdadkhani (Etawah) gharana, he carries forward a musical legacy shaped by his father, the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan, and grandfather, Ustad Enayat Khan.
Renowned for his lyrical, vocal-inspired style known as gayaki ang, Shujaat Khan’s playing transforms the sitar into a singing voice. His performances are marked by emotional depth, technical brilliance, and an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences across cultures. Through delicate ornamentation, sweeping meends (glides), and expressive phrasing, he creates a soundscape that is at once meditative and electrifying.
While firmly rooted in tradition, Shujaat Khan has expanded the reach of classical music to global audiences. He has performed at major venues and festivals across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, captivating listeners with both pure classical recitals and creative collaborations. His openness to musical dialogue has led to cross-cultural projects with artists from jazz, world, and Western classical traditions, broadening the expressive possibilities of the sitar without compromising its authenticity.
A distinctive aspect of his artistry is his occasional use of vocals during performance – a rare practice among sitarists – which deepens the emotional resonance of his recitals. This seamless interplay between voice and instrument reflects his deep understanding of raga grammar and poetic nuance.
Over the course of his career, he has received widespread recognition for his contribution to the arts. His music has been featured in film soundtracks and international productions, further extending the global footprint of Indian classical music.
He was born in Kolkata, India in 1960 and so far has recorded over 100 albums. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for his work with the band Ghazal with Iranian musician Kayhan Kalhor.
For the Sydney concert, he will be accompanied in table by Shariq Mustafa and Zuheb Ahmed Khan.
The program is organized by Natkhat Ghar, an organization spearheaded by Dr Surjit Tarafdar and his wife Shaba Tarafdar.
Surjit can be contacted on 0424127991 for further details
For tickets to the Sydney Concert, please contact Premier Tickets (https://www.premiertickets.co/event/sur-aur-sitaar-an-evening-with-ustad-shujaat-khan-sydney/)
