Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Wait until you see the speed at the end... 🤯 Experience the legendary Ustad Irshad Khan pushing the limits of string instruments live at the Darbar Festival!
Most people know the sitar, but have you ever seen or heard its massive, deep-toned older brother? Meet the Surbahar (bass sitar). Its strings are so thick and heavy that musicians have to literally bend them across the neck to play a full octave on a single fret—a technique that requires insane physical strength, endurance, and can be notoriously painful.
🌿 From Deep Meditation to Absolute Chaos:
In this rare footage, maestro Ustad Irshad Khan (from the illustrious Etawah Gharana) takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. He starts with the heavy, late-night, and majestic sounds of Raag Darbari Kanada on the giant Surbahar, backed by the thunderous, dense beats of Sukhwinder Singh 'Pinky' on the Jori (a rare, historic drum invented in the 16th century).
But the real magic happens when he switches to the Sitar for Raag Bihag! Watch how the mood shifts from solemn and deep to romantic, building into a lightning-fast crescendo (Ati Drut Jhalla). The speed of his fingers and the explosive trade of energy with the drums will leave you breathless! ⚡🎶
🎵 The Masters Behind the Music:
Surbahar & Sitar: Ustad Irshad Khan
Jori (Percussion): Sukhwinder Singh ‘Pinky’
Tanpura: Debipriya Das
📍 Recorded live at the Phoenix Theatre, Leicester, during Darbar Festival 2008.
🎬 WATCH THE FULL, UNEDITED CONCERT HERE:
Don't stop at the short clip! Experience the full, mesmerizing transformation from deep classical mastery to light-hearted folk melodies.
👉 Stream the entire high-definition concert on the Darbar Player right here: darbarplayer.vhx.tv/videos/df2008-irshad-khan-full-concert 👈
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Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir, thrill and inspire. Through shared experiences and digital connectivity, we ensure that one of the world’s finest art forms reaches the widest possible audience. Founded in 2006, we deliver premium quality live events, music education, broadcasts and online engagement through promoting artistic innovation and creative technology. We are also committed to providing a platform for new talent from India and the UK.
All Rights Reserved ©2021 Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust
Wait until you see the speed at the end... 🤯 Experience the legendary Ustad Irshad Khan pushing the limits of string instruments live at the Darbar Festival!
Most people know the sitar, but have you ever seen or heard its massive, deep-toned older brother? Meet the Surbahar (bass sitar). Its strings are so thick and heavy that musicians have to literally bend them across the neck to play a full octave on a single fret—a technique that requires insane physical strength, endurance, and can be notoriously painful.
🌿 From Deep Meditation to Absolute Chaos:
In this rare footage, maestro Ustad Irshad Khan (from the illustrious Etawah Gharana) takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. He starts with the heavy, late-night, and majestic sounds of Raag Darbari Kanada on the giant Surbahar, backed by the thunderous, dense beats of Sukhwinder Singh 'Pinky' on the Jori (a rare, historic drum invented in the 16th century).
But the real magic happens when he switches to the Sitar for Raag Bihag! Watch how the mood shifts from solemn and deep to romantic, building into a lightning-fast crescendo (Ati Drut Jhalla). The speed of his fingers and the explosive trade of energy with the drums will leave you breathless! ⚡🎶
🎵 The Masters Behind the Music:
Surbahar & Sitar: Ustad Irshad Khan
Jori (Percussion): Sukhwinder Singh ‘Pinky’
Tanpura: Debipriya Das
📍 Recorded live at the Phoenix Theatre, Leicester, during Darbar Festival 2008.
🎬 WATCH THE FULL, UNEDITED CONCERT HERE:
Don't stop at the short clip! Experience the full, mesmerizing transformation from deep classical mastery to light-hearted folk melodies.
👉 Stream the entire high-definition concert on the Darbar Player right here: darbarplayer.vhx.tv/videos/df2008-irshad-khan-full-concert 👈
________________________________________________________________
Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir, thrill and inspire. Through shared experiences and digital connectivity, we ensure that one of the world’s finest art forms reaches the widest possible audience. Founded in 2006, we deliver premium quality live events, music education, broadcasts and online engagement through promoting artistic innovation and creative technology. We are also committed to providing a platform for new talent from India and the UK.
All Rights Reserved ©2021 Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust
