Anuradha Pal 1

First Female Professional Tabla player in the world 1

Research by Shankar 2

Research by Sarah 2

Research by Sanvi 2

Questions by Shankar 2

Questions by Sarah 2

Questions by Sanvi 2

Songs 3
Song 1 3
Song 2 3

Anuradha Pal
Anuradha Pal is a Tabla virtuoso, multi-percussionist and music composer who is acclaimed
as the first professional female tabla player in the world by Encyclopedia Britannica and the
Limca Book of Records.

Research by Shankar Natarajan

She was a child prodigy at the age of 9.
She is empanelled as an Outstanding category musician with Ministry of Culture & Indian
Council for Cultural Relations, Top graded Vidushi of All India Radio and is revered globally
for her superb tonal quality, complimenting musicality and pinpoint rhythmic artistry, founded
on over 25 years of rigorous training. Anuradha is also appreciated for her fresh perspective
and knowledge of 6 gharanas of Tabla, her sensitive and thoughtful accompaniment with
leading masters of Hindustani and Carnatic music and International collaborations with
World music, dance, poetry, painting etc.

Anuradha Pal was born in Mumbai to pharmaceutical doyen, Devinder Pal and painter-writer
Ila Pal. She initiated her tabla training under Shri Manikrao Popatkar and Pt. Madan Mishra,
both of the Benares Gharana and finally became a Ganda Bandhan shagird of Ustad Alla
Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain of the Punjab Gharana.

A child prodigy, she gave her first performance for Doordarshan at the age of 9 years. With
her work incredible Tayyari, Layakari and immaculate presentation she was described as the
Lady Zakir Hussain by Maharashtra Times, when she was just seventeen.
Research by Sarah

Research by Sanvi

Question By Anandita

3. You are widely acclaimed for your interactive creations and rhythmic innovations, like
‘Anuradha’s Tablas Sing stories’ that are extremely popular with audiences around the world.
Please tell us more about these unique explorations in Rhythm.

Questions by Shankar
4. Shankar - Your work as a composer in films, music videos and albums is very much
appreciated for its freshness. Please share more details and also reveal the secret behind
your being a fantastic multi percussionist, in addition to being a top class Tabla Virtuoso.

6. Shankar - You are also a highly sought after music educator and have taught and been
involved in research at many prestigious International universities. We would like to
understand your unique approach towards training students.

Questions by Sarah
2. Sarah-You have performed with all the top legends of Indian music and collaborated with
jazz, african , Flamenco etc. How do you adapt to different styles and musicians so
seamlessly?
5. Sarah-You are a Brand Ambassador of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and created India’s first
all girl Instrumental band, Anuradha Pal’s Stree Shakti. As a female empowerment icon,
what is your message for others aspiring to break the stereotypes?

Questions by Sanvi
1. Sanvi-You are the first female professional Tabla maestro, a president awardee and
trailblazer musician. What were your motivations and attributes that made the impossible
possible?
7. Sanvi-You recently honoured 4 young girls with the Padmashri MT Vyas Stree Shakti
award. Could you tell us a little bit more about this award?

Questions By Arav
8. Arav - Your foundation APCF is working to bring social transformation through music and
has been helping the needy throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. What are your various
initiatives?

Songs

Song 1

Song 2