Shakir Khan

Shakir Khan is widely recognized as one of the most promising young exponents within the prestigious and legendary Etawah Gharana. He is energetically and passionately following in the notable musical footsteps of his extraordinarily talented father and revered guru - the renowned sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. Indeed, Shakir embodies the eighth generational link in an unbroken chain of remarkable musical talent and deep-rooted tradition that has been exclusively poured into the mastery of the sitar and surbahar. This illustrious lineage includes, in addition to Ustad Shahid Parvez, the remarkable musical legacy of Ustad Aziz Khan, who is Shakir’s paternal grandfather, as well as that of the esteemed patriarchal surbaharist Ustad Wahid Khan, who was also Shakir’s great grandfather. Moreover, he is also a close blood relative of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan, further cementing his connection to a rich heritage of classical music.

As might be expected from such a pedigreed musician, his undeniable talent surfaced remarkably early in life, with Shakir giving his very first public performance at the tender age of eleven. However, raw talent alone is simply not enough to master the intricate and deeply nuanced Indian classical tradition, and under the careful and guiding tutelage of his father, Shakir matured gradually through extensive study, countless hours dedicated to rigorous practice (riyaaz), and frequent recitals that showcased his growing artistry. The hard work and dedication certainly paid off, and in recent years, Shakir has performed brilliantly at various prestigious music conferences across India, including the renowned Dover Lane Music Conference in Kolkata, the celebrated Sawai Gandharva music festival in Pune, the esteemed Saptak Music Festival in Ahmedabad, the vibrant Bombay Festival in Mumbai, the illustrious Tansen Music Festival in Gwalior, the distinguished Shankarlal Music Festival in Delhi, and many more notable events. He has also performed extensively on an international scale, bringing the joy, intricacy, and subtlety of the Etawah Gharana to appreciative audiences in the United States, Canada, and Europe – with highlights that include a memorable performance at the famous Woodstock Festival in Poland in 2008.

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