Pt. Shantilal Shah
My Mission as a musician, performer, and teacher is to impart my knowledge to the next generation in a pure and undiluted form, as imparted to me by my Gurus.
About Pt. Shantilal Shah
Shantilal Shah was born and raised in the culturally and artistically vibrant city of Banaras, India. His basic taalim was under Pandit Mahadev Prasad Mishra of the Banaras Gharana. He is a worthy disciple of Taal-Yogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar.
In him lies a unique blend of Tabla repertoire and style as well as a deep understanding of the subtleties of Raga. Known for his highly musical playing, Shantilal Shah is equally comfortable with each of the three main and quite contrasting forms in this performing arena, Hindustani Classical Vocal, Instrumental, and Dance music.
Over the years, he has had the opportunity to share the stage with some of the greatest names in Indian Classical Music, such as Sangeet Martand Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Pts. Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Pandita Padma Talwalkar, Pandita Shama Bhate and others.
As a Guru
Guruji, as he is affectionality known by his students, has been teaching for more than 40 years. A highly respected educator within the classical music community, he has taught students of all ages and backgrounds.
He believes that learning Tabla develops lifelong skills that help students in all facets of their lives.
As a Performer
Pandit Shantilal Shah has performed with many of the greatest names in classical music including the late Pt. Jasraj ji, and Pt. Rajan & Pt. Sajan Mishra. He is the first and only Tabla player to perform with the award-winning Houston Grand Opera.
River of Light
Houston Grand Opera’s one of a kind program exposed Tabla in a new artistic medium, blending Indian Classical Music with Western Opera.
Dancing in Twilight
This 2004 Hollywood film received a Gold Medal of Excellence for a feature film score from the Park City Music Festival.
Bhairav Se Bhairavi Tak
Joined the legendary duo, Pt. Rajan & Sajan Mishra for the North American leg of their world-wide tour.
In the Words of the Maestros
Pt. Kishan Maharaj
“I have known Shantilal Shah for the last thirty years. In him, I see the ideal combination talent, knowledge, determination and worldly vision – a quality that has made him successful not only as a performer in India, but also as a performer – cum – teacher of this art in the western countries.”
Smt. Padma Talwalkar
“Shantilal’s devotion and zest to acquire knowledge and hard work has made him what he is today. With all his experience as a student, he himself has evolved into a great teacher. Because of Shantilal’s guidance and training, many of his students have taken music as their profession and not just as a hobby.”
