The Music Room

The Music Room @ Friend’s Hearth, widely known as TMR, is the result of a lifelong devotion to music by its creator, Rahmat Simab. In spirit, it echoes the idea of a monument built for love—much like Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal—though here the devotion is toward music and true art. Rahmat, who hails from Afghanistan, discovered Hindustani classical music in his youth, at a time when his homeland still allowed cultural expression. As political turmoil later suffocated artistic life, music was silenced, instruments were destroyed, and artists were humiliated. Though Rahmat had left Afghanistan as a teenager, the suffering of music in his homeland deeply affected him. Promoting and nurturing music became his personal response to that darkness.

TMR was conceived as a temple for music, a place where genuine artists and listeners could gather in peace. It began as a modest but exclusive baithak dedicated to Hindustani classical music, inviting only accomplished performers and true connoisseurs. Over time, it grew in stature and gained recognition across South Asian musical circles around the world. While quality music remains at its heart, the venue is named Friend’s Hearth to reflect its openness to other artistic and cultural gatherings, welcoming all who seek peace, friendship, and creative exchange.

TMR is a private, non-commercial space created to fulfill a spiritual need. Ticket income serves only as a token of respect for artists and to cover basic expenses. The aim is to make every program memorable for both performers and audiences, guided by strict standards of artistic integrity.

The venue is fully equipped for live performances and high-quality audio-visual recordings. It accommodates around 90 people, with half seated on the floor, making it ideal for Afghan traditional music, Indian classical, and ghazal performances. The stage holds up to seven performers and features professional lighting, sound systems, high-definition videography, a ceiling-mounted projector, and a large screen for educational use. TMR also supports live streaming of concerts worldwide.

Respect for art defines the atmosphere. Shoes, food, beverages, and unauthorized recording are not permitted. Intoxication is discouraged to preserve the spiritual ambience. Almost all performances are recorded and later shared through TMR’s “afghanblooms” YouTube channel.

Over the years, TMR has hosted distinguished artists, including Ustad Wajahat Khan, Pandit Sanju Sahai, and Smt. Anuradha Pal, Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, Sri Arnab Chakrabarty, and many others. Today, The Music Room @ Friend’s Hearth stands as a rare cultural sanctuary—quiet, disciplined, and devoted to the enduring power of music.