A Hamilton-based sitar player and teacher.  www.ragaschool.com

While he was growing up, Ustad Vilayat Khan was one of the most revered musicians in India and his son Ustad Shujaat Khan was the product of his mastery, becoming himself a highly respected sitarist.  Both were models for Neeraj’s growing abilities.  As his talents were recognized early, it became an important task to find the proper teacher to deepen his budding genius.  In India there is a tradition where a teacher takes on a student, as if taking on another child.

Shagird (student) of USTAD SHUJAAT KHAN, Guru Neeraj belongs to the Ustad Vilayat Khan Gharana of Hindustani Music.  He has managed to in time, to develop a niche for himself in the music scenario as one of the most versatile Sitarists of our time.  He follows the ‘GAYAKI ANG’ (Vocals Style) of playing Sitar.  The fast Taan, and melodious and steady Alaap needs special mention.  His creativity and speed has enabled him to traverse through different ‘raags’ and ‘taans’ and churn out such compositions that has sent many audiences into dizzy raptures.

He has performed widely at various venues and auspicious occasions solo as well as with other great Masters Touring as far as Africa, Europe, North America, India and the list goes on.