Swaroop Khan

Swaroop Khan is an adept Dholak & Dhol player who also performs as a backing vocalist. He is 35 years old and is a regular member of his uncle Hasan Khan’s group. He has been playing dholak & dhol in the group since 18 years and began with this group only. He belongs to Gehlot Community and can play the 12 beat rhythms at dhol, which he claims is only played in their community. He does not want to keep himself restricted to their Native folk music and tries to learn folk music of various other cultures as well. That’s what made him to learn Bhangra, Garba, Rajwada as well apart from their native folk music, which he performs when playing with other groups occasionally. He has an inclination towards Sufi & Qawwali Music. He describes that teen taal songs comes the most naturally to him and he enjoys playing teen taal the most.

He is the son of Famous Jal taal Player Misri Khan, and claims that their family is the only family in Rajasthan who plays Jal taal. He is also learning to play Jaltaal from his father and describes it as a very time taking process because of the complexity of the Instrument. They have also published a book about the instrument and are very proud of it.

Coming from a rich musical background, he feels quite responsible to take forward the art of playing their native folk instruments. His belief that a child always sees an inspiration in his parent motivates him to work harder and practice more. He also teaches his children quite often. He also wishes to travel abroad to perform which would further inspire his children to choose music as a career option.

• Jaisalmer
• Rajasthan