SUKHVINDER SINGH NAMDHARI (Pinky) is one of India's most dynamic tabla players who is recognized worldwide for his unique style of playing. Sukhvinder Singh was born in Punjab, India. He was brought up In the village of Sri Bhaini Sahib, district Ludhiana. It was here that Sukhvinder embarked on his musical career. When Sukhvinder Singh was only five years old, Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji realised his potential and destiny. He began teaching him Hindustani Classical music and noticed the natural gift of "laya and taal" he had within him and made him a disciple of the late Pakhawaj Samrat, Ustad Nihal Singh . Sukhvinder Singh gave his first major public performance at Satguru Pratap Singh Sangeet Samelan in the Birla Mateshwari Hall, Mumbai, 1978. Later in 1978, Sukhvinder left his home and family to study tabla in the traditional GURUKUL, Guru Shishya Parampara, under none other than the legendary Tabla Maestro, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, the doyen of the famous Banaras Gharana. Sukhvinder devoted his childhood and formative years to the study of Tabla, completing the rituals of the student seva, and rigorous riyaaz. These factors combined have produced a phenomenal performer who is sought after by many of India's eminent musicians. He is known for his keen capability to capture the audience with his spontaneity, power, and virtuosity during his performances. Sukhvinder has performed across the globe with the eminent Sarod virtuoso, Ustad Amjad All Khan. Some of the venues include: Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan memorial, New Delhi BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London House of Commons, London Kennedy Centre, USA SAARC Festival Dhaka Times of India 150th anniversary, Mumbai Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, New Delhi. Sukhvinder has performed with India's legendary Sitarists, Pt. Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan, renowned flautist Pt.Hari Prasad Chaurasia, and vocalists none other than, Pt. Rajan Sajan Mishra, and Pt. Jasraj. Sukhvinder has toured extensively across USA and India with Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. He played on the famous CD, which won a Grammy Award In 1994, "A Meeting by the River". Sukhvinder has more than 40 CD's in the markets worldwide. Sukhvinder has also been a featured soloist with BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in London. Sukhvinder Singh bases himself in New Delhi and Birmingham, UK

• published: 11 Feb 2014