Performance

The chance to perform alongside Mukhtiyar Ji and his troupe in Hyderabad was an opportunity I hadn’t anticipated, but it became one of the most exhilarating experiences of my journey.

Coincidentally, he was on tour in my city, and he invited me to join him on stage with his troupe of 4. The idea of performing with such a revered artist in front of a live audience was both thrilling and terrifying. The fear of making a mistake loomed large, but the excitement of sharing what I had learned outweighed it.

Adding to the excitement, I also had the privilege of visiting government schools in Hyderabad with Mr Ali, where we taught musical compositions and Kabir’s poetry to 14-15-year-olds. It was incredible to see these young minds engage with the material, finding joy in the same music and poetry that had captivated me. Watching their eyes light up as they sang along or recited verses was deeply rewarding.

The performances, both on stage and in the classroom, pushed me out of my comfort zone. By the end of it, I felt a newfound confidence—not just in my musical abilities, but in my capacity to share this art with others. It was a fitting conclusion to a summer of growth, learning, and artistic exploration.

I've uploaded 2 of my performances with Mr Ali's troupe below -- make sure to watch them on youtube with subtitles on, and read the description if you're interested about the meaning!