Anuradha Pal: Revolutionizing Percussion with 'Ramayana on Tabla'

In the heart of Mumbai, the name Pandita Anuradha Pal resonates with mastery and innovation on the tabla. The renowned tabla artist spoke about her ambitious project 'Ramayana on Tabla' which brings to life the epic tale through rhythms and beats, marking her presence in a field typically dominated by men. Pal has broken barriers for women in music and continues to explore the art of storytelling through her percussive skill, making significant strides since her initial works like 'Shiva Shakti on Tabla' and 'Krishna Ke Taal'. 'Ramayana on Tabla' stands as her recent achievement in 2023, captivating audiences with its melody-infused rhythmic narratives of the ancient saga.

Her performance of 'Ramayana on Tabla' during the sacred Prana Pratishtha Day and at Ayodhya has earned tremendous recognition, warming the hearts of diversified audiences, including the youth who find a connection to the profoundness of the Ramayana through her music. Pal's commitment to presenting the Ramayana began in 2016 and, with persistent refinement, she now blends rhythmic poetry with melodies to expressively convey the wisdom embedded in the story of Rama and Hanuman.

Challenging Norms

Anuradha Pal's journey is remarkable, as noted by Encyclopaedia Britannica, which celebrates her as the first professional female tabla player. Under the mentorship of the late table virtuosos Ustad Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain, she defied gender biases and navigated through a lineage-driven industry. Her determination and dedication are evident in her versatile performances across genres like Hindustani, Carnatic, Ghazal, Jazz, African, and Latin music. Pal's unwavering pursuit of musical excellence is a testament to her belief in challenging her limits rather than being limited by challenges.

Despite the struggle against nepotism and prejudice, Pal cherishes the support and love received from fellow musicians, friends, and her family. She acknowledges the pivotal roles of her teachers, her parents, and her husband Shyam Sharma in guiding her through her challenging path.

Recognizing her unique contributions, Anuradha was honored with the 'First Ladies Award' by the President of India in 2018. Her ability to fuse traditional tabla beats with modern genres is further evidenced by her latest work 'Tabla Tonic', which merges the classical instrument with electronic dance music to create a high-energy composition.

Empowering Women in Music

With Stree Shakti, India's pioneering all-female classical band led by Pal for over 27 years, she has given a platform to more than 80 women artists, empowering them to showcase their talent on international stages. The band, comprising instruments like tabla, djembe, bongo, and darbuka, represents the growing presence of women in a traditionally male-dominated sphere. Stree Shakti continues to inspire, with performances slated for International Women's Day events and festivals.

After recognizing the need for socio-cultural healing post-pandemic, Pal conceptualized the Anuradha Pal Cultural Academy (APCF) Positive Weekend. This initiative uniquely combines music, rhythmic meditation, and yoga amidst nature to promote wellness and positivity among diverse age groups. Additionally, the APCF's 'Workshops of Wellness' are designed to bolster focus, innovation, and team dynamics within educational and corporate environments.

Looking forward, Anuradha Pal aspires to launch online courses through instructional videos, sharing her extensive knowledge of Tabla to enable student learning across the globe.

virtuoso, melodic, percussion