Roopa Panesar

Roopa Panesar’s musical journey reflects a rare combination of rigorous classical training, cross-cultural engagement, and sustained international presence. Born in London and raised in Leicester, one of the UK’s most culturally diverse cities, she began learning sitar at the age of seven under the guidance of Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE, a distinguished disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan. Recognized early for her musical promise, she has remained under his mentorship, grounding her artistry firmly within the Imdadkhani sitar tradition.

Her musicianship has been further shaped through guidance from eminent masters, including Pandit Arvind Parikh, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit Buddhaditya Mukherjee, and Ustad Bahauddin Dagar. These influences have contributed to a playing style noted for clarity, tonal control, and expressive depth, while allowing space for collaboration beyond strictly classical formats.

Roopa Panesar has performed extensively across the UK, India, Europe, and the United States, appearing at major festivals and concert halls. Her career includes high-profile performances such as televised national events for the BBC, orchestral collaborations including work with the Belgian Symphony Orchestra, and appearances with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle. Critical acclaim has followed her ability to integrate the sitar within large-scale orchestral settings without compromising its classical identity.

Alongside her solo classical work, she has collaborated with leading contemporary musicians, including Talvin Singh, and has been featured at internationally respected platforms such as the Darbar Festival and WOMAD UK. Her discography includes the debut album Khoj (2011) and Subha, a collection of morning ragas released internationally in 2022.

As one of the few Indian female sitarists to sustain a full-time international performing and teaching career, Roopa Panesar continues to contribute significantly to the visibility, transmission, and evolving presentation of Indian classical music worldwide.