Mohan brothers bring the magic of monsoon ragas to Delhi

Delhi: Music was always in the air at home for the internationally acclaimed Mohan brothers, Lakshay (sitar) and Aayush (sarod).

“Our parents weren’t professional musicians, but they were deeply passionate listeners of Indian classical music,” they recall. The brothers said their parents would take them to concerts from a young age, and evenings were filled with the sounds of legends on the tape recorder. That constant exposure, they added, sowed the seeds of their musical journey, and soon learning the sitar and sarod became as natural as speaking a language they had always known.

From Delhi to the world stage

The Mohans are today among the foremost exponents of Indian classical instrumental music on the global stage. Known for their technical precision, emotional depth, and soulful expression, they are also the first Indian instrumentalists to be invited to perform at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

Following the success of its debut edition in 2024, the celebrated duo returned to the capital with the second edition of Monsoon Ragas at Kamani Auditorium recently. Their performance, through the jugalbandi, transported listeners into a world of melodic rains and rhythmic thunder, capturing the spirit of the monsoon through the timeless art of Indian classical music.

Reviving the jugalbandi tradition

The concert featured seasonal ragas traditionally associated with the rains, bringing alive the romance, vitality, and longing of the monsoon through intricate musical dialogues. Rare duets between the sitar and sarod — instruments both expressive and technically demanding — created a harmonious blend that is seldom heard today.

A long-standing tradition that is now a rarity, the jugalbandi was elevated by the brothers’ deep connection, artistic sensitivity, and finely attuned vision.

Also read: Some films without nuance or craft taking advantage of hyper political environment: John Abraham

Shaped by Delhi’s cultural life

Lakshay and Aayush grew up in a home that valued both academics and the arts. Delhi, they point out, was and remains a vibrant cultural hub, where they were surrounded by music festivals, baithaks, and opportunities to hear great maestros live. That environment, they say, played a big role in shaping their sensibilities.

One towering influence was sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. “Our foremost inspiration is Pandit Ravi Shankar. His artistry, vision, and ability to take Indian classical music to a global stage have been guiding lights for us,” they said.

The brothers recalled their meeting with him at the Ravi Shankar Centre in Delhi as unforgettable. They remember his warmth, noting that “he had this rare ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room.” He spoke about the importance of connecting with the soul of the raga rather than just its notes — advice that has stayed with them every time they step on stage.

Global acclaim and collaborations

The brothers have graced prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including the Royal Festival Hall in London (with Anoushka Shankar for Pandit Ravi Shankar’s centenary), Berklee College of Music in Boston, Symphony Space in New York, Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Central Conservatory of Music in China, Sawai Gandharva Festival in Pune, Gunidas Sangeet Sammelan in Mumbai, and Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa.

Their albums Echoes from the Yellow Land and The Majestic Court, released by Times Music, have been widely acclaimed. Mentored and launched internationally by Pandit Ravi Shankar under his US foundation, they continue to expand their vision beyond performance, engaging in educational initiatives and TEDx Talks to introduce Indian classical music to younger generations across the world.

Overcoming challenges

The journey to success has not been without challenges. One major hurdle was breaking the perception that the sitar and sarod are primarily solo instruments.

“We had to develop a style that allowed both instruments to shine equally without overshadowing each other,” they explained. Another challenge was in taking traditional music to younger audiences while staying true to its purity. Striking that balance, they admit, is both an art and a responsibility.

Indian audiences often share an intuitive connection with ragas, they said. Many have grown up hearing these melodies, which means even the smallest nuance may elicit a spontaneous “wah!” from the crowd. Abroad, the appreciation is just as sincere, though expressed differently, with audiences often responding with curiosity and wonder, eager to understand the context and story behind the music.

Also read: Difficult but anything possible if one works hard: Actor Huma Qureshi on Bollywood

Music without borders

Today, the acceptance and respect for Indian classical music abroad are immense. Listeners may not always grasp every technical detail, but they connect deeply with the emotion and spirituality.

“In fact, many international audiences approach it almost like meditation, which is beautiful to see,” the brothers said. Signing off, they added, “It reassures us that this art form truly transcends borders and languages.”