Posted on 22 July 2025:
Sitar Virtuoso Dr. Supriya Shah: A Torchbearer of Tradition and Innovation
Dr. Supriya Shah, one of India’s finest sitar players, carries the legacy of the Madhubani-Maihar Gharana with grace and brilliance.
Her music reflects the timeless beauty of Raagdari, staying true to classical roots while embracing creative collaborations across genres. A Senior Faculty at Banaras Hindu University’s Faculty of Performing Arts, she is among the most respected female sitarists in the country.
Dr. Supriya Shah is a celebrated sitar artist whose music speaks across borders and generations. A graded performer with All India Radio, she has graced many prestigious stages with her soulful renditions. Her talent was honoured by the Embassy of India in Tokyo, where she offered solo sitar recitals on two historic occasions—Gandhi Jayanti in 2020 and India’s Independence Day in 2021, and represented India on occasions of great national significance through digital concerts, Dr. Shah’s journey—from her early start from a non musical family background to global recognition—embodies dedication, depth and the universal language of music.
Dr. Supriya Shah: A Guiding Light in Classical Music and Cultural Education
Dr. Supriya Shah’s musical journey began at the age of thirteen under the nurturing guidance of Late Pandit Satish Chandra. Her dedication led her to master the intricate grammar of Hindustani Classical music and the advanced techniques of sitar under Late Pandit Uma Shankar Mishra. Since 2019, her artistry has been further enriched under the mentorship of Grammy award Padma Bhushan Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.
“Revisiting the Ragas I learnt from my Guruji nearly two and half decades ago has been a journey steeped in emotion. As I return to that taleem, I’m struck anew by the depth of his musical wisdom. Each phrase, taan or tihai reveals fresh layers-like keys unlocking countless doors within the raag. I am filled with gratitude and wonder, reminded that the heart of music lies in how we continue to rediscover what we once learned.” – Dr. Supriya Shah
As a performer, mentor and cultural motivator, Dr. Shah has played a vital role in promoting Hindustani performing arts across generations and geographies.
“I strive to weave the spirit of the Guru-Shishya parampara into the structured setting of a classroom. My taleem, deeply personal and rooted in years of immersive learning, taught me not just technique but a way of being with the music. Today, while the university curriculum offers systematic rigor, I nurture a mentor-student bond that brings music alive beyond the syllabus. By demonstrating and sharing the subtleties myself, I guide my students toward a more intuitive understanding—where listening, reflection and independent practice foster not only skill but confidence and creative freedom.” — Supriya Shah
A respected faculty member at Banaras Hindu University, she has inspired countless students over two decades—both in India and abroad through her digital classes. Her scholarly contributions, including research on evolving performance practices in North Indian classical instrumental music, reflect her deep commitment to both tradition and innovation.
Dr. Supriya Shah: A Sitarist Who Resonates Across Stages and Cultures
Dr. Supriya Shah’s sitar has sung across the world’s most revered stages, weaving classical magic into every performance. From the centenary celebration of Sankatmochan Sangeet Samaroh to the soulful Shri Krishna Janmotsav hosted by Padma Vibhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra, her artistry has touched hearts far and wide. She has graced festivals like Swara Utsav, RIMPA International Festival, ML Koser Music, Dance Festival and many more.
Across continents and festivals, Dr. Supriya Shah’s sitar carries the soul of India into hearts near and far. Her digital concert Anuragini, organised by Harmoniverse in the UK, which was showcased and broadcast on the social media platforms of Nehru Centre, London and The Gandhi Centre, Netherlands, and her masterclass at the Conservatoire in Réunion Island speak of a musician whose strings reach beyond borders.
At home, recently she graced the stage of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi on International Yoga Day and World Music Day, and continues to celebrate the timeless spirit of Indian classical music.
From the sacred rhythms of Ganga Mahotsav to the vibrant energy of Kolkata Music Festival, her music honours tradition.
As a TEDx speaker, she inspires young minds by sharing how her journey through sound has helped redefine success—with grace, dedication and an open heart.
Dr. Supriya Shah: A Harmonious Journey of Excellence and Inspiration
Dr. Supriya Shah’s life is a symphony of accolades and intellect, where each note reflects dedication and brilliance. Honoured with the Ravi Koppikar Memorial Award from NCPA,Mumbai, first prize in the AIR Competition, the Laya Jyoti Award, and recognition from the Jai Shri Krishna Foundation, and several others, her musical journey has earned admiration from prestigious institutions including the Pandit Ravi Shankar Music Foundation. Her alma mater, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Kanpur, celebrated her legacy with a special felicitation and a feature in their commemorative coffee table book. Academically, Dr. Shah shines as a gold medalist in M.A. (Hindustani Music), a topper in M.Phil from the University of Delhi, and a Ph.D. scholar whose research reshaped perspectives on performance practice in instrumental music. As a sitar maestro, scholar and cultural ambassador, she continues to inspire generations with her seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
A Legacy Etched in Strings and Scholarship
Dr. Supriya Shah stands as a radiant symbol of artistic excellence and intellectual depth. Honoured by cultural institutions and celebrated for her service to society through music, she has carved a niche as both a revered sitarist and a distinguished academic. Her accolades—from the Laya Jyoti Award to international recognitions—mirror the resonance of her music across borders. With a Ph.D. in performance practice, gold medals and top academic honours, she bridges the worlds of tradition and thought with rare finesse.
In every recital, every classroom, and every written word, Dr. Shah continues to inspire—a true ambassador of Hindustani classical music and its evolving soul.
