The London Sitarist
The London Sitarist is available for weddings, private functions and events and can be hired as a solo sitar player or as a duo with a tabla player. You can also add other musicians including Bansui flute players and as well as being trained in Indian classical music he can also play a selection of Western pop hits on sitar.
He began his musical training at an early age and by the age of 16 had found the instrument that would be his life, the sitar. His teachers have included Clem Alford (the first ever European sitar player), Pandit Subroto Roychowdhury of Senia Gharana and Wajahat Khan (direct descendent of Mia Tansen the great musician, one of the nine jewels in Moghul court of Emperor Akbar).
The London Sitarist studied composition from his father and later with Andrew Downes at the Birmingham Conservatoire where he gained a B.Mus (Hons) at the Birmingham Conservatoire studying both sitar and composition. His career so far has seen him play with artists such as Dave Stewart, The Smith String Quartet, The Bingham String Quartet, Kumar Bose, Shiv Shankar Ray, Ashok Dutta, Erich Gruenburg, Rohan De Sarem,The Dub Pistols, John Wilson, Bombay Dub Orchestra, Swati Natekar, Sarah Brightman, I Musici Fiamminghi Orchestra and Sir Paul McCartney.
The London Sitarist's compositions have been performed by Erich Gruenburg, Joji Hattori and Indo-Jazz Fusions and he has written for many library music companies. As well as his playing and compositions being heard on two Nimbus CD's and two on FMR, he can also be heard on Sarah Brightmans' Eden and Kevin Spaceys' Beyond the sea and has recorded a solo album for Cooking Vinyl Records.
The London Sitarist has performed all over the world including, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Australia, America, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and two very successful tours in India as well as a number of performances for the BBC in the UK. He is also in demand as a session musician and appears regularly on television and radio. In the education field He has taught A-level music technology and Composition both for London borough of Camden and has taken workshops in Indian music for The Royal Welsh college of Music, County of Suffolk, Live Music Now, City of Birmingham and 100's in the London area.
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The London Sitarist
We had the absolute pleasure of having The London Sitarist perform at our wedding ceremony, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. He was prompt, professional, and smartly dressed in elegant Indian attire, which added a special touch to the day.
From the moment our guests arrived, throughout the ceremony, and even afterwards, his beautiful sitar music created the most magical atmosphere. Many of our guests complimented his performance and remarked on how much it enhanced the whole experience.
We are truly grateful for his contribution to our special day and would highly recommend The London Sitarist to anyone looking to add something unique, sophisticated, and memorable to their event.
M Rai | September 2025
Pitzhanger Manor house, Ealing, London
The duo were absolutely brilliant! Such an up-beat, energetic performance, just as requested. They really blew everyone away!
Priya | October 2024
London, Corporate Event
Absolutely incredible artist! Such a beautiful set played by him which set the tone of the event perfectly. He was dressed wonderfully smart, extremely on time. I cannot express how please we all where with him and his performance. We had so many compliments from guests and family, we honestly couldn't have asked for a better performer!
Ameeka Babra | August 2024
Harrow
The duo played at my wedding at Hatfield House during the wedding ceremony and I couldn't be happier with their performance. The sitarist remained professional throughout the whole planning process and quick to respond to any query. He knew exactly what to play and when and my guests were impressed by their performance. He is a credit to SA music and I would HIGHLY recommend him to others for whichever type of event.
Nina Jhatakia | February 2024
Hatfield House, Wedding
The musician met all expectations and exceeded them. He was professional, friendly was punctual and played the Sitar beautifully.
Faisal Rahim | November 2023
Central Saint Giles, St Giles High Street, London
The act was really good and he was punctual and looked the part. He helped us out with the use of his microphone and played a little longer as everyone was enjoying the music.
Lorraine Walters | June 2023
Goring Hotel, London SW1, Cocktail Party
Please pass on my thanks to the performer. He went down a storm. Lovely chap who was so easy to work with. Would absolutely book him again
Sue Hoey, Event Organiser | December 2022
The Cinnamon Club, London, Party
We wanted to say a huge thank you for performing at our celebration yesterday - your music was fantastic and we received lots of positive feedback from our guests, including the bride's grandad who I gather quizzed you on some of the ragas you were playing!
It was a good decision in the end to play inside and we really appreciated that you brought your stage - which looked great.
Thanks again for making our day very special.
DW | September 2022
Party
The sitarist and his tabla player got our celebration off to a perfect start. Wonderful performance which everyone appreciated. He is an extremely charming and professional person to deal with and I have no hesitation in recommending him very highly.
Wendy | July 2022
Recently booked on June 18th in Henley in Arden. It poured down with rain all day and he just played through out and was received very very well from my mixed relation audience. The sound was beautiful and set a great back ground ambience – lots of young and older loved ones said it was a stroke of genius having the brilliant sitar player.
Manjit Dosanjh | July 2021
Wedding
They were smart, polite and punctual. Very talented musicians, enjoyed the music and great feedback from our guests.
Victoria Gibbs | July 2019
He was great and also very flexible, as timings changed a couple of times, and was really prompt at answering emails. Great to work with.
Erin Simmons | November 2018
London, Corporate Event
The London Sitarist
Alongside his Bollywood and classical repertoire this versatile sitarist can also perform a few Western pop songs:
- Across The Universe
- All of Me
- Billy Jean
- Can’t Stop The Feeling
- Fields of Gold
- Have yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- Thinking Out Aloud
- Hurdy Gurdy Man
- Moonrvier
- Ne Me Quitte Pas
- Say You Won’t Let Go
- Silent Night
- Stay With Me
- That’s What I Like
- Blackbird
- Thriller
- I’m Dreaming Of A White Xmas
- Windmill Of Your Mind
Based in Greater London
