Ayaz Khan Kalavant
Carrying his classical legacy from "Ami Je Tomar" in Bollywood to Coldplay's historic concert.
Image courtesy: Artist
Image courtesy: Artist
Belonging to the prestigious Seniya Gharana, Ayaz Khan Kalavant is a sixth-generation artist carrying forward a legacy of rich Indian classical music. The grandson of renowned sarangi maestro Ustad Moinuddin Khan and the son of veteran sitarist Ustad Shahbaz Khan, Ayaz has grown up in a world where music is not just a profession but a way of life.
Trained from childhood by the ustads of his family, he has mastered the sitar, tabla, harmonium, and vocals, emerging as one of the most versatile young artists of his generation.
A Bollywood Debut
Before stepping onto some of the world's biggest stages, Ayaz made his mark in Bollywood. He recorded the sitar for the haunting song "Ami Je Tomar", composed by Amaal Mallik and sung by Shreya Ghoshal, for the 2024 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. This milestone not only introduced his artistry to mainstream audiences but also highlighted the timeless beauty of the sitar in contemporary cinema.
Opening for Coldplay
On January 25, 2025, Ayaz experienced the defining moment of his career when he performed as the opening act for Coldplay at their monumental concert at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With over 134,000 attendees, it was the band's largest show to date.
▶ Watch: Ayaz opening for Coldplay with ElyannaVideo courtesy: Artist
Ayaz shared the stage with Elyanna, seamlessly blending traditional Indian melodies with contemporary rhythms to create a globally resonant soundscape.
Speaking to Buzzing Media Studios, he revealed how the collaboration came about, "They invited me to perform on stage with Elyanna. Her brother Feras, who is also a pianist, producer, and creative director for her show, reached out to my father, Ustad Shahbaz Khan. But Papa pushed me forward, as he wanted me to be the frontrunner of the family tradition. That's how I landed on stage."
Image courtesy: Artist
His father, though stepping back, still played a key role in the performance: "He even did the soundcheck ahead of Elyanna's set. It was truly a family moment for us," Ayaz recalled.
Grateful for the opportunity, Ayaz spoke warmly of Elyanna's brother: "I am so pleased with his humble attitude. Those moments will always hold a special place in my heart. Talking with him felt like speaking with a family member."
The Coldplay concert came shortly after a series of successful shows across India, marking one of the biggest milestones in Ayaz's journey so far. Reflecting on the experience, Ayaz admitted with a smile: "I told Elyanna, 'I cancelled my show for you.' And I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Touring India and Beyond
In addition to these landmark moments, Ayaz has performed in some of India's most vibrant cultural hubs, including Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, and many more cities. Over the years, he has performed numerous shows that showcase not only his technical mastery but also his ability to connect deeply with audiences across different musical traditions, whether in Hindustani classical, Bollywood, unplugged sessions, or fusion experiments.
Image courtesy: Artist
Now, with momentum on his side, Ayaz is preparing for international shows and collaborations, bringing the legacy of the Seniya Gharana to global audiences.
Sitar Covers & Global Experiments
Ayaz Khan Kalavant has also built a strong digital presence through his creative sitar renditions of both global and Bollywood hits. His covers showcase how a classical instrument can breathe new life into contemporary songs, connecting with audiences far beyond traditional classical listeners.
Some of his most popular sitar covers include:
- "Calling You" - Outlandish
- "Let Me Down Slowly" - Alec Benjamin
- "Saiyaara" - from "Saiyaara"
- Dhoom Theme - from Dhoom
Video courtesy: Artist
Through these reinterpretations, Ayaz proves the sitar's versatility, whether echoing the haunting melancholy of Alec Benjamin, the cinematic romance of Bollywood, or the energy of iconic film themes. His covers have resonated widely online, opening doors to new listeners and inspiring a younger generation to experience the sitar in fresh, relatable ways.
A Legacy in Motion
By blending traditional Hindustani classical music with modern sensibilities, Ayaz Khan Kalavant is not only preserving his gharana's heritage but also redefining its place in today's world. His journey is one of passion, dedication, and an unshakable commitment to carrying forward a family tradition while making it accessible to new generations.
Image courtesy: Artist