Nikhil Paralikar aka The Tabla Guy: Zakir Hussain, AR Rahman & Bandish Bandits | Bani Anand | AAE S5

In this episode of AfterHours with All About Eve, Bani Anand is joined by Nikhil Paralikar, aka The Tabla Guy who has redefined how the instrument is perceived by today’s generation. From picking up the tabla at the age of five to performing in front of thousands, Nikhil traces the experiences, discipline and curiosity that shaped his musical journey.How Nikhil Paralikar became The Tabla GuyHe reflects on his early training, his mother’s influence, and the importance of finding the right guru, someone who not only taught him technique, but a way of life. Nikhil speaks about hours of rigorous riyaaz, experimenting with genres, and how classical foundations continue to guide his sound.How Nikhil's Shiv Tandav Stotram went viralThe conversation takes us through the moment his career changed: his powerful rendition of the Shiv Tandav Stotram, which caught the attention of audiences nationwide and was even reposted by Anand Mahindra, giving his work extraordinary visibility. From there, appreciation from artists across the industry followed.Nikhil also discusses the criticism he occasionally receives from purists, the energy he taps into while performing, and how social media has helped artists like him reach listeners across the world. He speaks about building his collective, blending classical with techno, and the creative process behind his latest release, Rhythmic Deva.Away from the spotlight, he opens up about travel as a source of motivation, his belief in Goddess Durga, the joy of spending time with family, and memorable moments with legends such as Ustad Zakir Hussain.From tradition to innovation, from viral breakthroughs to personal reflections, this conversation offers a thoughtful look into the mind of a modern-day percussionist who continues to expand the possibilities of the tabla.(00:00) Episode begins (2:38) The right kind of music(3:03) Why did he choose the tabla?(5:25) Learning classical vocals(6:27) Thoughts on gharanas(7:04) Lessons beyond the tabla(10:49) Is his mum proud now?(11:50) The Tabla Guy's first earnings(13:37) On Zakir Hussain(14:48) Meeting Zakir Hussain(16:50) His most profound performance(19:32) When Nikhil's career took off(20:47) Do purists judge him?(21:57) His source of income(22:45) Impact of social media(25:03) Mistakes he made on stage(26:05) Songs he loves playing(26:33) Why he played Shiv Tandav(28:16) Tips for tabla players(29:47) About his collective(32:55) Female attention(33:50) On Bandish Bandits(35:28) Dream collaboration(37:01) Favourite AR Rahman album(37:33) What motivates him(38:40) Did Nikhil get teased at school?(42:00) His new project(42:51) His belief in God(44:22) How he unwinds AfterHours(45:48) Singing Rhythmic Deva