Musical Journey: Indian Classical Music, a tradition of deep-rooted heritage, has captivated audiences worldwide, and musicians like Tanmay Bichu are key to its ongoing global reach. A skilled tabla player, Bichu’s work in Indian Classical and World Music has resonated across India and the U.S., making him a recognized name in the art of percussion.
In 2024, Bichu has continued to enchant listeners with performances at several prestigious events. Among his remarkable appearances, he accompanied Kathak dancer Smt. Shambhavi Dandekar in a sold-out solo show, collaborated with Pandit Raghunandan Panshikar in Pune, and performed at the Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Tribute concert in San Francisco and the Ashavari Festival in California.
Recently, he was also a highlight at the Bay Area’s BMM Convention, sharing the stage with notable musicians like Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande and Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar. He is slated to perform in upcoming concerts titled “Melodic Science” and “Mystic Healing through the Vedas,” focusing on the scientific and healing dimensions of Indian classical music.
Bichu’s enthusiasm for music dates back to his childhood, where he found inspiration within his own family. Growing up surrounded by a rich heritage of Indian Classical Music, he was heavily influenced by his maternal side.
His mother’s vocal practices and his uncle’s tabla sessions were constant sounds in his early environment. Recognizing his natural inclination, his maternal uncle, Shree Vinayak Naik, started teaching him tabla.
As he progressed, Bichu expanded his training under Pandit. Manohar Pimpalaskar and later, as a college student, under the esteemed Pandit Ramdas Palsule. In the U.S., he pursued advanced studies under Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri at the Ali Akbar College of Music and attended annual tabla retreats with Ustad Zakir Hussain.
This immersive experience helped him stand out among tabla players in the West, giving him opportunities to perform alongside esteemed musicians. Reflecting on the Bay Area BMM Convention, Bichu shared that he felt a profound honour performing with revered artists like Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande and Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar, both of whom he has long admired.
Since the BMM Convention returned to the Bay Area after a 25-year hiatus, Bichu’s participation was highly anticipated, and his excitement to collaborate with such luminary figures was palpable. He views this experience as not just a performance, but a unique chance to observe and learn from these musical stalwarts.
Bichu’s upcoming concerts, “Melodic Science” and “Mystic Healing through the Vedas,” are set to bring a fresh perspective on Indian Classical Music. Aiming to educate audiences on the scientific foundation of classical music, “Melodic Science” will explore various topics such as the brain’s processing of music, the significance of the seven-note octave, and how posture impacts musical expression.
“Mystic Healing through the Vedas” seeks to connect Ayurveda, Indian Classical Music, and Indian Classical Dance, showing how these Vedic arts contribute to holistic healing. By blending these ancient traditions with modern scientific understanding, Bichu hopes to showcase Indian Classical Music’s depth and timeless relevance.
Balancing his musical journey with a career in technology, Bichu holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and works as a research engineer at Apple in the Bay Area.
He finds that his classical training and technical expertise complement each other. “My music training has instilled discipline, resilience, and cultural depth, which also enhance my professional life,” he explained.
He believes that his musical experience aids him in connecting with audiences, while his engineering background sharpens his problem-solving skills, which he applies both in performance and in his professional role.
Reflecting on his journey, Bichu credits his gurus as his greatest influences. He recalls growing up in a house filled with the sounds of Indian Classical Music and Bollywood classics. Although his musical tastes have broadened to include genres like ghazals and jazz, classical music remains his core passion.
Looking ahead, Bichu’s goals extend beyond personal performance. He aims to blend technology with tabla to uncover new possibilities for this ancient instrument. He is also dedicated to mentoring emerging tabla players, passing on the traditions and skills he has gained from his illustrious teachers. In his words, “I am still a young student of music and will continue to learn all my life. The journey is as important as the destination.”
