"Usually we find child prodigies in various fields of Art, but Rohan sure was an infant prodigy who would react to and in his own way express the intricate rhythm patterns even at that age. In Rohan you find an unbeatable combination of talent coupled with dedication and application thus making him an artiste, listening to whom is quite an experience."
- Music Director Abhinav Upadhyay.

Rohan is born and raised in the Canadian city of Edmonton. His interest in music was noticed by his parents at a very early age. Once he got his own tabla set, he was virtually inseparable from them. Without any formal training, he was able to master complex rhythm cycles before he could even count. As a little boy, he preferred going to classical music concerts rather than watching TV at home or playing Video games. This is when he met Ustad Zakir Hussain. When Ustad Zakir Hussain heard about Rohan's interest and capabilities, he checked his hands and promised to take him as his student when he turned eight.

Rohan was always surrounded by music at home, his favourites included Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ghazal Maestro Jagjit Singh, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and other classical musicians of India. He eagerly waited to attend tabla classes and never missed any concerts of his future teacher. Finally at the age of eight, he went to California to study tabla with Zakir Hussain, where he was surrounded by mostly adult students. His family's dedication to his talent led to various sacrifices, such as month long stays at hotels. Ustad Zakir Hussain noticed his keen sense to learn tabla and showered him with solid techniques. Over the years under watchful eyes of Zakir, Rohan has developed into a very capable musician with graceful and sweet hands that are treat to watch and listen.

Rohan's accomplishments are nothing but impressive, he won first place at the "Talent Explosion" competition for North Alberta and was chosen to perform at the "Big Valley Jamboree" in Canmore, which is interestingly a Western Country Music festival. In the year 2000, Ustad Shujaat H. Khan spotted his talent and asked Rohan to accompany him for a presentation with the University of Alberta students. Rohan accompanied Ustad Aashish Khan at the age of fourteen. During the same year, World renowned Ghazal Maestro Jagjit Singh heard about Rohan and invited him to perform with him for a memorable Juggalbandi(concert) which is remembered by Edmontonians till today.

His moment of international fame came in 2004 when he was invited to perform a tabla solo recital at India's oldest and prestigious music festival, "Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan". It's a rare opportunity for any professional musician to be given to showcase their talent. it's even more rare to find a foreign born person to be chosen. He was the youngest and first ever Canadian to perform there. His solo recital received rave reviews from the press and audience.

During his visit to India, he was given a chance to do a solo recital at the Namdhari Satguruji's presence in Bhaini Sahib. After Rohan's presentation, Satguruji clapped, which was highly unusual because HE, who has heard so many current and past maestroes, never claps. This was considered a blessing for Rohan by Satguruji's followers, who were bit surprized by HIS unusual response. Later, Satguruji gave present of Mala to Rohan.

Rohan is also very serious about his studies and is an honors student at a Ross Sheppard High School in the IB programme.

The Accolades :-

"Your performance brought tears to my eyes, how did you become so good at such a young age?"
- Adjudicator at Futurefest, st. Albert.in 1998

"When fingers of this young artist danced on the tabla, he brought audience to their feet."
- The Daily Ajit on his performance at Harballabh Music Festival, 2004.

"Mesmerizing performance by Rohan from Canada, the youngest artist this year."
- The Daily tribune, India, on his performance at Harballabh Music Festival, 2004.

"A young and very talented boy."
- Ghazal Maestro Jagjit Singh, 2004.

"He has got great music sense."
- Ustad Aashish Khan, 2003

"He has got very good hands."
- Ustad Shujaat H. Khan, 2002.

"What a talented young fellow!"
- Ghazal singer Satish Babbar, 2004.

"A true virtuoso!"
- Dr. Jonathan Baily of University of Lethbridge at Kwanis Music Festival,2001.

For more information see: http://www.virtuosoprodn.com/