Channu Lal Soni

Channu Lal Soni, an 81-year-old veteran artist, has been a manjira player for nearly 30 years. Over the decades, he has collaborated with renowned artists like the late Deshraj Pateriya, Urmila Pandey, Munna Saini, and Rajesh Tiwari. His journey into music began at the tender age of 8, inspired by his father, a skilled musician who crafted Sitars. Watching his father work sparked a deep love for music in young Channu Lal. 

When he expressed his desire to learn music, his father advised him to complete his education up to the 8th grade first. Sadly, his father passed away before he could fulfill that promise. However, one of his father’s words stayed with him: “Harmonium and Dholak are common, but playing the Sitar requires immense focus and patience.” Though he never formally trained in any instrument after his father’s passing, Channu Lal kept his love for music alive through the Manjira. His dedication stands as a testament to his unwavering passion for music.