What is your main instrument?

Tabla.

Are there any other instruments you dabble and tinker with?

Harmonium, Sitar.  I also sing.

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?

There was an Asian music programme, Asian Magazine, on Channel 4 in Britain.  I was around 5 years old at the time and I saw a singer from Pakistan on the show.  It was the first time I remember hearing any kind of music and it was really exciting.  After that, whenever this programme came on I used to get the pots and pans out and play along to the music.

Then, in around 1986, Noorjahan, the famous Pakistani singer, came to England.  My uncle was one of the organisers of her tour and her musicians were also very close friends of my father, so we had a little musical evening at our house at which Noorjahan sang.  Ustad Tafu, an infamous Pakistani tabla player who was accompanying Noorjahan, had an extra pair of tablas with him so I started playing along.  This was the first time I ever touched the tablas.  I was about 6 at the time and all the musicians that were there thought this was really sweet.  After that my father bought me a pair of bongos and that got me going.

How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

My father pushed me.  I didn’t know what I wanted to do and my father guided me to play tabla.  He was a singer and he wanted me to play with him.  He used to take me with him when we would perform together.  This was how I started.

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

It was chosen for me by my father and it was just a natural thing for me to do.  It just happened.

Is there anything you really struggle with as a musician?

In terms of actual musicianship, being the best and doing a good job every time, it’s always a struggle.  It’s a journey.  It’s part and parcel of being a musician. 

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

My father was the first person who really helped me and pushed me.  He was an immense central figure in my musical life and even though he died 14 years ago he is still an immense inspiration for me to carry on and keep going.  Also, Kalu Zeria, a Manchester-based tabla player, had a huge influence on me.  He taught me from the ages of 9 -12 and exposed me to a musical environment.  A lot of musicians used to regularly come to his house and I got to be part of this atmosphere, performing and learning in the company of other musicians.  Listening to all these musicians and having these experiences made a huge impression on me -  I was so open to it  and it was a really good time for me.  Finally, my Ustads, my teachers, will always inspire me - Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Ustad Mian Shaukat Hussain Khan and Ustad Alla Rakha.

What excites you about playing with Indus?

The most exciting thing for me is the musicians themselves.  We are such good friends, we know each other so well and we do things in the spur of the moment.  Sharing a stage and creating music together is a great joy.

What do you see next for the band?

The sky’s the limit for us. The launch of our new album, Firefly, is a highlight for our careers and will hopefully be a stepping stone for us that will take us onwards and upwards.  We will keep creating new music, new compositions, new improvisations and we will keep learning about each other and ourselves.

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

Learn and experience as much as you can.  Don’t just play the music, play with the music.  For example, if I’m playing the tabla I’m not just playing the tabla - I’m trying to experience the depth of the instrument and the depth of my own musicianship.  Strive, practice, learn from maestros and always remember to keep a cool head - don’t get too big-headed.