Mehtab Ali Niyazi: A Modern Torchbearer of the Bhendi Bazaar Gharana

In a time when musical tastes evolve rapidly and digital trends shift every day, sitarist Mehtab Ali Niyazi has carved a distinct place for himself. He remains deeply connected to the traditions of the Bhendi Bazaar Gharana of Mumbai while also engaging a new generation of listeners who are discovering classical music through fresh and inviting formats. As a seventh generation musician, he carries the weight of a remarkable legacy yet expresses it with a voice that feels current and sincere.

Niyazi’s introduction to the stage came very early. When he was just eight years old, he performed before the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj. Guided and trained by his father, he had prepared a full presentation for the occasion. What he remembers most vividly is how unaware he was of the significance of the moment. After the performance, he attempted to rush away from the spotlight but Birju Maharaj stopped him and offered affectionate praise. He also posed for a photograph with the young sitarist. That single moment showed Niyazi how the discipline of daily practice which had often felt tiring could create memories and recognition that last a lifetime.

Over the years he has grown into an artist who respects the classical tradition while also recognising the need to reach audiences who may not have been exposed to it. Much of his presence online is built around that intention. His short performances introduce the sounds of the sitar in ways that feel warm and accessible to younger listeners. His experiments with fusion are less about changing the music and more about opening a door for those who might otherwise feel intimidated by classical art forms. He is careful to preserve the essence of what he has learned while presenting it in a style that speaks to today’s audience.

Niyazi believes Indian classical music needs wider exposure across the world. He often says that the art form has everything it needs in terms of depth and richness but it requires more platforms where young performers can share it freely. For him social media has played an important role in changing outdated perceptions. It has shown that intricate musical ideas can be shared in simple inviting ways without losing their authenticity.

As his audience expands, so do his dreams. He hopes to perform at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall which have long been symbols of global musical excellence. Inspired by contemporary performers who have brought Indian music to international festival stages, he also includes Coachella in his list of future goals.

Travel has shaped his artistic understanding in meaningful ways. Touring outside India gave him a new perspective on how listeners from different cultures respond to classical music. Performing away from home made him more aware of the responsibility that comes with representing a centuries old tradition. Each journey encouraged him to refine his craft and to approach every performance with an even greater sense of purpose.

Today Mehtab Ali Niyazi stands at a unique point in his musical journey. He honours the discipline and history of his gharana while embracing the possibilities of a connected world. His music carries the depth of the past and the curiosity of the present. In his hands the sitar continues to tell stories that are timeless yet entirely relevant to a new generation of listeners.