Ustad Sabir Khan (tabla player) is a distinguished exponent of the Farrukhabad gharana, renowned for his technical mastery and lineage.
Born: 4 December 1959 in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.
Lineage: 33rd descendant of the Mir Akasa lineage, tracing back to the 11th century. Trained by his grandfather Ustad Masit Khan (a celebrated tabla maestro) and father Ustad Karamatullah Khan, both pillars of the Farrukhabad tradition.
Gharana: The Farrukhabad style emphasizes bols (mnemonic syllables) like TAT-DHIT-THUN-NAN, introduced by founder Mir Akasa.
Debut: Gave his first solo performance at age 9 (1968) alongside his father and grandfather in Kolkata.
Collaborations: Accompanied legends across instruments and genres:
Sitar: Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan, Nikhil Banerjee.
Sarode: Ali Akbar Khan, Amjad Ali Khan.
Vocal: Bhimsen Joshi, Kishori Amonkar, Mallikarjun Mansur.
Dance: Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi.
Teaching: Mentored dancers like Madhurima Pal in layakari (rhythmic precision).
Sole Representative: The only living heir of the Farrukhabad gharana’s tabla tradition.
Recognition: Honored by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for preserving and innovating within the gharana.
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Description
Ustad Sabir Khan (tabla player) is a distinguished exponent of the Farrukhabad gharana, renowned for his technical mastery and lineage. Born: 4 December 1959 in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. Lineage: 33rd descendant of the Mir Akasa lineage, tracing back to the 11th century. Trained by his grandfather Ustad Masit Khan (a celebrated tabla maestro) and father Ustad Karamatullah Khan, both pillars of the Farrukhabad tradition. Gharana: The Farrukhabad style emphasizes bols (mnemonic syllables) like TAT-DHIT-THUN-NAN, introduced by founder Mir Akasa. Debut: Gave his first solo performance at age 9 (1968) alongside his father and grandfather in Kolkata. Collaborations: Accompanied legends across instruments and genres: Sitar: Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan, Nikhil Banerjee. Sarode: Ali Akbar Khan, Amjad Ali Khan. Vocal: Bhimsen Joshi, Kishori Amonkar, Mallikarjun Mansur. Dance: Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi. Teaching: Mentored dancers like Madhurima Pal in layakari (rhythmic precision). Sole Representative: The only living heir of the Farrukhabad gharana’s tabla tradition. Recognition: Honored by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for preserving and innovating within the gharana.