What is your main instrument?

Sitar.

Are there any other instruments you dabble and tinker with?

Tabla & Piano.

What is your first vivid musical memory as a child?  Was there a particular moment when a sound or piece of music really captured your attention?

Seeing a live band in Karachi, Pakistan for the first time when I about 10 years old.  It was an Ismaili band playing at a social event and it was the first time I had ever seen live music.  There was a guitarist, drummer and bassist and they were playing an instrumental version of a Boney M track - ha ha!  I felt overwhelmed watching and hearing them play- it was great to my virgin ears.  (I’m still a secret Boney M fan - shhh!)

How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

I always wanted to be a musician.  However, I had no idea that I would become a sitarist. I came to England to study piano and western classical music. I did a degree in music at Dartington College of Arts. It was here that I was exposed to real sitar music which I did not know existed until then. It was seeing Ustad Nishat Khan, who visited Dartington for a few weeks, that really inspired me to learn the sitar. However, at the time I was unable to do so. I became a music teacher and taught in highschools in London for a number of years.  Eventually in 2000 I got sick of this and needed a change.  I decided to go back to music and went to Leeds to take a jazz course.  This is where I got finally got the opportunity to fulfill my dream and I started learning the sitar. I am still on this journey of discovery and exploration.

How did you end up choosing the sitar as your instrument?

While I was in Leeds taking the jazz course I injured my hand and had to stop playing the piano for about six months.  It was a real crisis for me as I had left my previous career to finally fulfill my dream of being a musician.  I had already started playing a bit of sitar and it was during this time that I got more into it and began learning in earnest. I am thankful to Dharambir Singh, who was a lecturer at the Leeds College of Music then, who first taught me this instrument.

Is there anything you really struggle with as a musician?

Many things, but that's what keeps you on your toes.

Were there any key moments or key people that have really helped you in your musical journey?

Yes, most definitely there are many people who have helped and inspired me and still continue to do so.  I believe there is so much to learn from each musical interaction we experience, be it performing with others, teaching, listening, etc.

What excites you about playing with Indus?

Its wonderful to be with such creative and dedicated musicians. I like that we are open to new ideas and different ways to present things.

What do you see next for the band?

A second album.  A world tour.

Do you have a few word to share with other aspiring musicians?

Always dream big and let no one tell you that you can’t do it. Believe in yourself!