Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana

Ranjana Ghatak
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Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana is a podcast exploring Indian classical and devotional music, through intimate conversations with musicians from and influenced by the Indian subcontinent, in addition to short episodes that unpack key concepts to guide your way in.

  1. Episode 1

    Alam Khan | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana | S2E01

    Welcome to Season 2 - I'm so excited to have interviewed Alam Khan - a musician that brings so much depth, beauty and humility to his music and performances. In this podcast we explore:  [00:25] - Introduction & Welcome [00:50] - Growing Up in Warm Household [03:42] - Ranjana’s Story Interviewing Ustad Ali Akbar Khan [05:02] - Collaboration with Derek Gripper (Birds of the Air) [08:18] - Exploring African Strings & Spontaneous Improvisation [10:12] - Grammy-Nominated Album with Anoushka Shankar [12:04] - How to Describe a Raga  [14:09] - The Raga as a City: Landmarks, Maps, and Navigations [18:37] - Performance Pressure, Mindsets, and Audience Expectations [21:24] - Yo-Yo Ma’s Philosophy & Purpose in Music [27:02] - Visualizing & Feeling the Raga [29:15] - Music as a Conversation with Ancestors [30:40] - The Lighthouse Metaphor & Returning to the Core [31:23] - Revisiting & Rediscovering Ragas [35:02] - Rules, Permutations, and Contradictions in Raga Growth [42:12] - Unspoken Lessons Passed Down from Ali Akbar Khan [43:42] - Being a Messenger: Music as a Sacred Devotion [48:03] - "Do You Rehearse Before You Pray?" [49:17] - The Healing & Transformative Nature of Ragas [52:50] - Carrying Forward the Lineage & Legacy [57:31] - Daily Rituals, Nature, and Creative Habits [58:33] - Desert Island Discs & Influential Recordings -- 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalof... 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma Editing: Ashley Leihy

  2. Episode 2

    Kirpal Singh Panesar | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana | S2E02 | Part 1 of 2

    Kirpalji is one of my most favourite musicians - he brings so much sweetness, depth and deep devotion to his playing. This two part interview is full of adventure and humility with an insight into the journey of an excpetional musician and artist. About Kirpalji: Kirpal Singh Panesar’s training reflects his twofold musical sensibility: he studied both with the great shehnai master Ustad Bismillah Khan and with string virtuosos, such as Ustad Surjeet Singh and Ustad Gurdev Singh. Kirpal’s musical identity reflects the combination of these experiences, and it can be admired in his ability to make the most of the expressive potential of his instruments and their ethereal sonorities. Kirpal has been performing nationally and internationally, and his soulful playing has led him to accompany many artists such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Sanju Sahai & his late Ustad Ji, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. Kirpal's skill of improvisation and ability to portray various emotions through his music leaves one captivated. In this podcast we explore: [00:26] – Introduction Ranjana Ghatak welcomes Kirpal Singh Panesar to discuss his musical and spiritual journey. [01:28] – Roots & Early Musical Upbringing Kirpal shares his background in the Namdhari Sikh tradition and the central role music plays within the community. [04:09] – 1994 Turning Point in Bhaini Sahib Recounting an awakening experience as a 12-year-old attending a music class in India and receiving a life-changing blessing from Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. [13:08] – Understanding Kirtan & Gurmat Sangeet An explanation of how Gurbani, Raag, and Tal combine to form Kirtan, including its diverse linguistic and musical origins. [15:47] – The Esraj & Dilruba: History & Connection Overview of stringed instruments like the Esraj and Dilruba, their tonal qualities, and how they emulate the human singing voice. [22:22] – Journey to Become a Disciple of Ustad Bismillah Khan The persistent four-year journey of travel and missed attempts before finally meeting the legendary Shehnai maestro on a 36-hour train journey. [34:30] – Performing on Stage with Ustad Bismillah Khan How Khan Sahib invited Kirpal and his brother onto the stage during a concert in Delhi and introduced them to the audience. [38:46] – The Concept of Taras, Riyaz, & Spiritual Connection A discussion on the deeper purpose of Indian classical music, moving beyond technical perfection to evoke emotional and spiritual transformation (Taras and Anhad). [44:48] – Advice for Young Musicians & Concluding Thoughts Reflections on devotion, finding a Guru, and following pure intentions in music. -- 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalof... 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma Editing: Ashley Leihy

  3. Episode 3

    Kirpal Singh Panesar Part 2 of 2 | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana | S2E03

    The second part of a fascinating interview with Kirpal Singh Panesar. In this episode we explore:  Taus, Dilruba, and Esraj in the UK[00:00:25] Resurgence of String Instruments [00:03:44] Music as a Life Philosophy [00:05:31] Core life lessons, humility, and love for everyone regardless of religion or background [00:06:02]. Liifelong student brings liberation, humility, and constant room for growth [00:23:55]. Selected Tracks ("Desert Island Discs") [00:18:13] Kirpal shares four favorite pieces/recordings that have shaped him: Upcomings & Teaching [00:24:42] -- 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalof... 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma Editing: Ashley Leihy

  4. Episode 4

    Jyotsna Srikanth | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana | S2E04

    I first heard Jyotsna Srikanth when we played for a World Music Concert for Primary aged children at the Barbican Centre in London. I was in awe at her virtuosic playing and deep understanding of Ragas and Tala (rhythm). On request from one of my students I realised how wonderful it would be to speak to Jyotsnaji and hear about her journey in addition to gaining insight into the world of Carnatic Music. In this episode we explore: 00:26 Introduction 00:56 What Jyotsna is working on now 02:09 Discovering the violin at age five 03:25 Her first concert at age nine 04:43 Growing up immersed in Carnatic music 06:55 Balancing music and studying medicine 08:30 Discovering Western classical violin 09:53 How studying music helps with focus 10:35 How the violin came to Carnatic music 12:14 Vocal music and Carnatic violin 12:29 Gamakas – ornamentation in Carnatic music 16:24 Learning Carnatic music across cultures 16:51 The structure of a Carnatic classical performance 20:11 Rhythm and tala in Carnatic music 23:11 Ragas and time of day 24:19 Musical influences 25:14 Exploring Western music and other styles 26:13 Collaborations – Nordic Raga, Raga Garage & more 27:31 Raga Seasons 29:04 Indian and Western audiences 29:54 The importance of daily practice 31:?? Jyotsna’s violin collection 35:29 Desert Island Discs 39:19 Advice for developing musicians 40:54 Future collaborations & flamenco 41:34 The Bangalore String Quartet 42:06 How to connect with Jyotsna 43:30 Upcoming concerts and projects 44:18 Closing conversation 45:12 Ranjana’s vocal course & membership 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma Editing: Ashley Leihy

  5. Episode 5

    Sarathy Korwar | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana | S2E05

    In this episode of Indian Music Journeys, I’m joined by drummer, percussionist, producer and bandleader Sarathy Korwar for a fascinating conversation about his musical journey, creativity and his latest album, There Is Beauty, There Already. Sarathy reflects on growing up in India, navigating musical traditions and cultural identity, and finding his own creative voice. We also discuss his collaborations with artists including Anoushka Shankar and Alam Khan, the importance of Indian classical music, and the joy of remaining a student throughout life. From the power of collective music-making to our shared experiences of learning singing and tabla, this is a conversation about curiosity, connection and the possibilities that open up when we listen deeply. I hope you enjoy the conversation! 🎧 Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to Indian Music Journeys for more conversations exploring music, creativity and the journeys of extraordinary artists. 00:00 Opening highlights 01:03 Introduction and Grammy nominations 01:45 There Is Beauty, There Already – The album's inspiration 04:00 Recording four drummers at Real World Studios 06:15 Long-form improvisation and musical influences 08:10 Reclaiming our attention through music 09:55 The story behind the album artwork 12:00 Rituals, meditation and everyday life 13:50 Listening walks and shared musical experiences 16:30 Growing up in India and alternative education 23:00 Identity, tradition and the British Asian experience 25:00 Becoming a musician and producer 29:00 Collaborating with Anoushka Shankar and Alam Khan 32:25 Finding his musical voice across traditions 33:20 Why Indian classical music matters 37:00 Exchanging singing and tabla lessons 42:00 The joy of learning something new as an adult 43:10 Desert island music choices 46:20 Memorable concerts and musical experiences 49:00 Upcoming projects and performances 51:00 Closing and vocal learning opportunities Connect with Sarathy Korwar 🌐 Website: https://www.sarathykorwar.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarathykorwar/ 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak Title Music: Arjun Verma Editing: Ashley Leihy

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Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana is a podcast exploring Indian classical and devotional music, through intimate conversations with musicians from and influenced by the Indian subcontinent, in addition to short episodes that unpack key concepts to guide your way in.

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