Ishaan Ghosh: The Young Tabla Virtuoso Bringing Classical Music Into the Gen-Z Era

At just 24, tabla player Ishaan Ghosh stands at the crossroads of an ancient tradition and a rapidly transforming musical world. He carries a lineage that stretches back seven generations, but his vision is unmistakably contemporary. Whether he is leading his neo-classical ensemble Araj through a high-energy performance or captivating audiences with solo tabla recitals, Ishaan is emerging as one of the most influential young voices redefining Indian classical music for modern listeners.

A Legacy Written in Rhythm

Born into the iconic Ghosh family of musicians, Ishaan’s earliest memories are woven with melodies, talas and the stories his father—sitar and tabla maestro Pandit Nayan Ghosh—shared with him. His grandfather, Padma Bhushan Pandit Nikhil Ghosh, transformed the role of tabla in contemporary classical music, while the legendary flautist Pandit Pannalal Ghosh pioneered the seven-holed classical flute.

For most children, classical training begins in a classroom. For Ishaan, it began in the living room—absorbing rhythms long before he could walk. By the time he was two, he was already mimicking complex patterns he overheard during his father’s lessons with international students. And at two-and-a-half, he performed an informal tabla solo at his playschool, foreshadowing a path that would soon turn global.

Growing Into the Art Without Losing Himself

Despite the weight of such an extraordinary lineage, Ishaan speaks of his heritage without burden. Instead, he calls it an “inspiration,” one that shaped his worldview but never forced him into a mould. His father became not just his guru but his travelling companion—teaching him during long flights, between rehearsals, and in bustling airport lounges during tours that began when Ishaan was just seven.

The tabla, Ishaan says, is not merely an instrument; it is his “closest companion,” a living entity whose spirit he has been learning to understand his entire life. Although he also trained in sitar, piano, vocals and other percussive forms, the tabla became his natural home—one that offered endless possibilities for expression.

A Gen-Z Mindset With a Classical Core

In an era defined by AI-generated beats, playlist culture, and short-form content, Ishaan’s dedication to a centuries-old art might seem unconventional. But he believes the opposite is true.

“Indian classical music is the most contemporary music ever created,” he says with conviction. “It’s built on improvisation. It expresses every emotion. What could be more current than that?”

Perhaps that explains why young audiences are responding to him with enthusiasm rarely seen in the classical circuit. Over the past decade, Ishaan has delivered more than 1,500 performances across over 25 countries, consistently bridging unfamiliar ears to the depth and beauty of Hindustani classical traditions.

Araj: A New Sound for a New Audience

One of Ishaan’s most ambitious ventures is his band Araj, formed by five young, classically trained musicians—each considered a rising star in their respective disciplines. Originally born out of casual jam sessions among friends, the group has evolved into a neo-classical powerhouse blending purity of tradition with contemporary sensibilities.

Their shows are often sold out, drawing diverse crowds where seasoned connoisseurs sit shoulder to shoulder with first-time listeners. Ishaan describes their energy as “electric,” recalling how an entire Mumbai audience felt “transported” during a recent performance under Sangit Mahabharati’s Rasa Experience series.

Carrying a Tradition Forward

Despite his growing international presence, Ishaan remains deeply rooted in his purpose—sharing classical music in a way that feels accessible and alive. He believes that what younger listeners need is not a diluted version of the art, but the right context, presentation, and connection.

His wide-ranging musical influences—jazz, African drumming, Eastern European folk, Middle Eastern traditions, and even Bollywood—enrich his perspective, allowing him to build bridges between genres while staying anchored in classical purity.

Among the musicians who inspire him most, he names Ustad Vilayat Khan, U Srinivas, and his father. A dream collaboration? The globally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier.

Looking Ahead

Beyond regular concerts and tours, Ishaan is actively involved in curating multi-genre experiences at Sangit Mahabharati, the institution founded by his grandfather. These initiatives aim to nurture community, foster new audiences, and bring legendary maestros and emerging artists together on the same stage.

For Ishaan, the future of Indian classical music is bright. “More and more young people want to understand where this music comes from,” he notes. “They want to learn, to explore, to connect.”

Whether he is performing intricate solos, teaching students across continents, or experimenting with new sonic landscapes through Araj, one thing is clear:

Ishaan Ghosh is not just carrying forward a legacy; he is reshaping it for the generations yet to come.