Abhay Rustum Sopori

Abhay Rustum Sopori is a santoor player, music composer, and conductor, celebrated for his creativity, innovation, and deep connection to Kashmiri musical traditions. Belonging to the legendary Sopori family of musicians, he represents the rich Sufiana Gharana of Kashmir—a lineage of Santoor players spanning over 300 years. Trained by his father, the legendary Pt. Bhajan Sopori, and grandfather Shamboo Nath Sopori, Abhay combines classical, Sufi, and contemporary elements in his music, creating a unique and soulful sound. He has performed at major festivals across India and around the world, collaborated with international orchestras and artists, and worked tirelessly to promote Indian classical music, especially among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. His innovative projects, such as Sufi Kinship® and Soz-o-Saaz, have beautifully showcased the essence of Kashmiri music on global stages, earning him great acclaim and several prestigious awards for his contribution to Indian classical and fusion music.