Sukhad Munde

Sukhad Munde, born on 13 January 1959 into a distinguished lineage of pakhawaj maestros, commenced his formal training at the age of six under the disciplined tutelage of his father, Pt. Manik Munde. His foundation lies in the Farrukhabad–Benares style of pakhawaj and tabla, where emphasis is placed on tonal purity, rhythmic balance, and structural sophistication. Alongside percussion training, he gained a deeper understanding of music and swar-gyan through the guidance of the eminent dhrupad vocalist Pt. Uday Bhawalkar, which significantly shaped his mature and contemplative approach to rhythm.

Sukhad has established himself as a versatile performer, equally respected for solo pakhawaj recitals, jugalbandis, and tal-vadya kacheris, as well as for refined accompaniment. Over the years, Sukhad Munde has shared the stage with some of the most respected figures in Indian classical music, including Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Rattan Mohan Sharma, Ustad Bahauddin Dagar, the Gundecha Brothers, and Pt. Ronu Majumdar, as well as leading Kathak dancers. His accompaniment is widely regarded for its restraint, tonal depth, and ability to subtly enhance both the melodic structure and emotional expression of a performance.

A significant aspect of Sukhad Munde’s artistic journey is his role as the leader of Samvad, a trio that brings together traditional Indian percussion with Western-trained flautists. Through this ensemble, he engages in cross-cultural musical conversations that respect classical integrity while exploring new rhythmic and textural possibilities. The group has performed at major music festivals across India and Europe.

Sukhad has also made notable appearances at the Darbar Festival, where his artistry has been presented in both traditional and collaborative formats. His performances at the Barbican Centre, including his accompaniment for Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, have been praised for their meditative depth, rhythmic precision, and sensitivity to the dhrupad tradition. Today, Sukhad Munde continues to contribute meaningfully to Indian classical music as a performer who bridges lineage, discipline, and thoughtful innovation.