Tarun Balani explores themes of heritage and migration with Kadahin Milandaasin

Musician Tarun Balani brings his album Kadahin Milandaasin to Bengaluru this weekend

Just over six months since drummer-composer Tarun Balani embarked on a listening sessions tour for his album Kadahin Milandaasin that explores his Sindhi heritage and ideas of migration, the New Delhi artist now returns to Bengaluru with his quartet.

After a solo vinyl set at Middle Room in Shanti Nagar, Tarun and his quartet comprising Swiss trumpeter Sonja Ott, New Delhi-based guitarist Siddharth Gautam and American pianist and synth artist Luke Marantz will perform at Bangalore International Center on February 28 as part of the venue’s annual festival Parvah.

Tarun’s India tour ends in Bengaluru, following shows in Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. Including the vinyl set, that will be two stops in the city and he says it is intentional. “Bengaluru holds a special place in my heart,” he says. Tarun recounts how he began his touring career over a decade ago, playing in clubs in Indiranagar and he always loves returning to the city.

Tarun also brought his second show — a live audio-visual performance — to BLR Hubba in January, with the visual artist Parizad D. “Bengaluru audiences have consistently been so welcoming of my music, showing up to listen in every format possible and I’m deeply grateful for that. This time as well, I wanted to take the opportunity to share as much music with them as possible.”

Since its release in May last year, Kadahin Milandaasin (which translates to “When Will We Meet?”) has been Tarun’s most personal work yet, in the way that it has resonated with audiences, especially the Sindhi community. “Knowing that my music has found meaning and a place in so many people’s hearts — whether through messages online or conversations after the shows — is perhaps the most rewarding feeling for me.”

Tarun Balani  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement