Anuradha Pal: I’ve redefined storytelling through the tabla

Renowned tabla virtuoso Anuradha Pal is all set to perform in Mumbai at the Nehru Centre tomorrow at the Arpanotsav Music Festival. She will present her acclaimed Ramayan on tabla and vocal, narrating the epic through Navrasas using an ensemble of percussion and classical instruments.
In an exclusive conversation, she delves into her inspiration, her innovative approach to fusion music, and how she continues to redefine the boundaries of tabla performance.
What special performances and collaborations are planned for the upcoming Music Festival in Mumbai?
For the first time, Mumbai will host an unmissable double bill on Friday, December 6, at Nehru Centre, as part of the Arpanotsav Music Festival. The evening will begin with my performance, Ramayan on tabla and vocal, followed by a unique collaboration with Padmashree Anwar Khan Manganiar and a team of 10 stellar musicians. Together, we’ll blend Sufi, Kabir, Rajasthani Folk, and Semi-Classical music in a celebration of tradition and innovation. This festival promotes Wellness Through Music, with all ticket proceeds going to support this noble cause.
How does the performance Ramayan on tabla creatively narrate the epic through music and storytelling?
For the first time ever, the tabla transforms into a voice of storytelling, narrating the epic Ramayan through the Navrasas (nine emotions). This performance incorporates an interplay of nine percussion instruments—including Pakhawaj, Mridangam, Djembe, Darbuka, and Tabla—accompanied by nine ragas performed on Sarangi by Sabir Sultan Khan, as well as vocals, keyboard, and multi-percussion. The narrative spans key moments, from Sita Swayamvar to Shri Ram’s victory over Ravana, culminating in His triumphant return to Ayodhya for Diwali celebrations. Since its conceptualization in 2016, Ramayan on Tabla has evolved into an immersive audio-visual experience that beautifully captures the essence of Indian epics.
In 1999, I expanded the melodic scope of the tabla with my Tabla Jugalbandi, seamlessly blending tradition and contemporary elements. Through rhythmic storytelling and poetic compositions, I’ve portrayed the Leelas of Shri Krishna and Shiva-Shakti, connecting Indian music with diverse, younger audiences.
What else is special ?
The second half of Arpanotsav features Padmashree Anwar Khan Manganiar, an iconic Sufi and Rajasthani Folk maestro. He’ll perform Kabir, Sufi, and Bollywood classics. For the first time, I’ll be collaborating with him and a team of 10 leading musicians to present an extraordinary musical experience. I’m thrilled to be part of this historic evening.
You’ve successfully blended traditional tabla with contemporary music genres. What draws you to fusion music, and how do you ensure that the tabla retains its essence while adapting to modern styles?
Fusion music is a way for me to merge my classical training with diverse global styles, enabling me to connect with younger and uninitiated audiences. For instance, I’ve played the bayan as a bassline in Jazz, used the tabla as a clave in Latin music, and incorporated African polyrhythms into my performances. My albums Get Recharged and Recharge Plus showcase these experiments, with tracks like ‘Tabla Tonic’ blending traditional beats with EDM, violins, and bass to captivate youth with fresh and unheard-of combinations.
Over decades, I’ve redefined storytelling through the tabla as a melodic-percussive instrument, exploring the Navrasas in groundbreaking works like Tabla Jugalbandi (1999), Shiva Shakti on Tabla (2004), Krishna Ke Taal (2014), and Ramayan on Tabla (2023). This approach has resonated deeply with global audiences, inspiring me to continue innovating while remaining firmly rooted in classical traditions.