There is a need to know 24-year-old Ishaan Ghosh. Why, you ask? It’s because this Tabla expert is changing the way we hear Indian classical music. ‘The Gen Z Classicist’ is blending tradition and innovation in his performances. He has performed over 1,500 concerts across 160+ cities in 25+ countries and on stage with legends like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Niladri Kumar, and more.
Ishaan inherited his passion for tabla from his father tabla and sitar legend Pandit Nayan Ghosh and grandfather, tabla player Nikhil Ghosh. He also is the grand-nephew of acclaimed flautist Pannalal Ghosh and his uncle Dhruba Ghosh is a well-known Indian classical singer and Sarangi player.
He speaks to The Free Press Journal about his journey prior to his performance at Juhu this month.
Excerpts from the Interview
You are called a 24-year-old tabla virtuoso who is redefining Indian classical music.
Music has been an inseparable part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a family of legendary musicians, I was immersed in rhythm and melody from an early age. My father introduced me to Tabla through stories, games, and an environment where music was a way of life rather than a structured lesson. I gave my first solo performance at two and a half years old, and from there, my journey has been one of constant learning, practice, and exploration. Every performance, collaboration, and experience has shaped my artistry, allowing me to stay deeply rooted in tradition while evolving my style for contemporary audiences.
How would you define your musical style with tabla, especially today when Indian classical music has a different audience and a need to expand its reach?
My approach to tabla is centred on authenticity and expression. Indian classical music is timeless and holds the power to captivate diverse audiences—it just needs to be presented engagingly. I focus on breaking the traditional performer-audience barrier by interacting with listeners, making the experience more immersive. While I remain true to the purity of the art, I also enjoy exploring how rhythm can blend with different genres, creating a bridge between tradition and modernity. The goal is to keep the essence intact while making it more accessible to new listeners.
You come with a grand heritage in Indian classical music. How does this heritage influence your musical style and thinking? Does it seem like a huge weight?
Rather than feeling like a weight, my heritage has been my source of inspiration. My grandfather, Padma Bhushan Pandit Nikhil Ghosh, and my father, Pandit Nayan Ghosh, have instilled in me the importance of discipline, depth, and respect for the art. Their teachings have given me a solid foundation. But they have also encouraged me to find my voice within this legacy. I see it as a responsibility rather than a burden—to take forward the rich traditions.
You have extensive concerts all over India and the world. It must have been interesting from a performance and listeners’ point of view.
Performing across different countries and cultural contexts has been an eye-opening experience. One of my most memorable concerts was at an EDM festival in Europe, where my band, ARAJ, played a purely acoustic Indian classical set. We weren’t sure how the audience would respond, but their enthusiasm was overwhelming. It proved to me that music, when presented with passion, transcends language and genre barriers. Every concert teaches me something new—about the music, the audience, and the infinite ways in which rhythm connects us all.
How was it performing with legends like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Kaushiki Chakraborty, and Niladri Kumar?
Sharing the stage with such iconic artists has been a privilege and an incredible learning experience. I remember accompanying Pandit Jasraj when I was just 17, and after a three-hour concert, he said, “If I get this kind of tabla accompaniment, I can sing for years to come.” Moments like these are invaluable. Each legend brings a different energy and perspective, and playing alongside them teaches me nuances that no classroom ever could. Their mastery, spontaneity, and deep emotional connection with music inspire me to push my boundaries.
From a young performer’s POV, how do you see the popularity of Indian classical music in India? Do you feel we need to do more to make it accessible to more people?
Indian classical music has a loyal audience, but there is room to expand its reach. Many people assume it is difficult to understand. In reality, it is expressive and universal. The key is to make it more relatable without diluting its essence. One such initiative is ‘The Rasa Experience’ by Sangit Mahabharati. Here, we create immersive performances that blend classical music with visual storytelling, interactive elements, and thematic presentations, making the art form more accessible and engaging.
What more can we expect from you in the coming days? Any concerts? Anything keen to perform?
There are several exciting projects ahead. My primary focus remains on The Rasa Experience, the new concert series featuring 12 events scheduled throughout the year. These performances will take place across various cities and venues, bringing Indian classical music to diverse audiences in an immersive and engaging way. Additionally, I plan to put on more music — both traditional and experimental—exploring new sonic landscapes while staying rooted in the essence of classical traditions.
