The Sabri Family: A Leading Lineage of Sarangi Exponents in Indian Music

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The Sabri family stands as one of the most distinguished and enduring musical lineages in the world of Indian classical and Sufi music. With roots tracing back over 400 years to the illustrious Moradabad Gharana, the family has played a pivotal role in preserving, nurturing, and evolving the art of the sarangi, while also contributing significantly to devotional and global music traditions. At the heart of this remarkable legacy lies the towering figure of Ustad Sabri Khan, whose influence continues to resonate across generations.

Ustad Sabri Khan – The Legend

Ustad Sabri Khan was not only a legendary sarangi maestro but also a visionary who brought the instrument to international prominence. He performed during India’s Independence in 1947, marking a historic moment in the nation’s cultural journey. Over a career spanning decades, he served for nearly fifty years as a staff artist at All India Radio, New Delhi.

He is credited with presenting one of the earliest jugalbandis featuring the Indian sarangi and Western violin alongside Sir Yehudi Menuhin, symbolizing a powerful musical dialogue between East and West. A true global ambassador of Indian music, he introduced the sarangi to audiences across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Japan.

He also collaborated internationally, with associations extending to global icons such as The Beatles and contributions to international film projects. He was among the first to introduce the sarangi into the world of fusion music.

At a time when the sarangi was largely confined to accompaniment, he elevated it into a respected solo instrument on the global stage. His performances for distinguished leaders—including Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, V. V. Giri, R. Venkataraman, and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam—stand as testimony to his stature.

He performed alongside other legendary musicians such as Ravi Shankar and The Beatles, and was featured alongside his beloved wife in the International Museum of The Saree as part of a Legends Project. This project includes Bhajan Samrat, Pt. Anup Jalota, Dilip Sen, Ustad Kamal Sabri, Ustad Tariq Khan, Bollywood Star, Rahul Roy, diplomatic families, and community leaders from diaspora organizations and religious institutions.

Through his artistry and dedication, he laid a powerful foundation for future generations of the Sabri family.

Ustad Kamal Sabri – The Living Legend and Torchbearer

Carrying forward this extraordinary legacy is his son, Ustad Kamal Sabri, an internationally acclaimed sarangi virtuoso, singer, songwriter, and composer. A child prodigy and seventh- generation representative of the Moradabad Gharana, he has redefined the role of the sarangi in contemporary global music.

Known for his innovation—including the addition of a cello string to the instrument—he has successfully bridged Indian classical music with global genres. His collaborations with international artists, performances at prestigious venues, and compositions for Bollywood

films, documentaries, and cross-cultural projects have taken the sarangi into new musical territories.

His contributions have been recognized worldwide with numerous honors, including the Global Iconic Artist Award in London. He has also been honored by the Mayor of New York for his immense contribution to world music, along with receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Music and the Professor of Practice Award.

Today, he stands as a leading global ambassador of the sarangi and Indian classical music. His recent engagement with the International Museum of The Saree and Green FAD Museum —has provided support for the ambitious musical and literary initiative of the museum’s archiving and creative team.

This musical collaboration has recently expanded across platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and iHeartRadio with an attempt to reach global audiences through a fusion of music and visual storytelling spanning Bollywood filmy tunes, bhajans, devotional music, rock, pop, rap, r&b, blues, jazz, techno, world and literary audios. Special love, wedding, sari themed and social issues songs such as Suicide- Cancer Awareness & healing songs have been unveiled with this project in English and several other languages.

All songs are available for educational purposes with translation from the museum’s team found on Tiktok/IG/FB: Internationalmuseumofthesaree, Greenfadmuseum. Ustad Sarvar Sabri – The Exponent of Tabla. 

Another prominent figure in the Sabri lineage is Ustad Sarvar Sabri, a renowned table exponent based in the United Kingdom. Widely respected for his mastery of rhythm and deep understanding of both classical and contemporary forms, he has played a crucial role in promoting Indian music internationally.

As a performer, educator, and cultural ambassador, he has collaborated with leading artists and contributed significantly to cross-cultural musical dialogues. His dedication to nurturing young talent and spreading awareness of Indian rhythmic traditions has earned him widespread recognition, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Janab Gulfam Sabri – Carrying Forward the Sufi Tradition

The Sabri family’s rich musical heritage also extends into the spiritual realm through Janab Gulfam Sabri. His work reflects the deep emotional and spiritual essence that defines the Sabri tradition. Through qawwali and other devotional forms, he continues to connect audiences with the mystical soul of Sufi music, sustaining a tradition that transcends boundaries of language and culture.

Jamal Sabri – The Corporate Maestro

Jamal Sabri represents another dimension of the Sabri family’s global presence. A Chartered Accountant by profession and Group CEO of Almoe Group in Dubai, he exemplifies excellence beyond music. His leadership reflects the family’s core values of discipline, vision, and international engagement.

Master Abdul Ahad Sabri and Asad Sabri – The Next Generation

The younger generation continues to uphold and evolve this extraordinary legacy. Abdul Ahad Sabri and Asad Sabri represent the future of the Sabri lineage. With strong classical training and a progressive outlook, they are actively contributing to the continued evolution of the family’s musical heritage.

A Living Legacy

What makes the Sabri family truly exceptional is not only their technical brilliance but also their unwavering commitment to the spiritual and emotional essence of music. Whether through the soulful strains of the sarangi, the intricate rhythms of the tabla, or the transcendent expression of Sufi vocals, the family has consistently upheld the highest standards of artistry.

Today, the Sabri family stands as a symbol of continuity, innovation, and cultural pride. From the legendary contributions of Ustad Sabri Khan to the global achievements of Ustad Kamal Sabri and the dynamic presence of the younger generation, their journey reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

As they continue to perform, teach, and inspire audiences worldwide, the Sabri family not only preserves a priceless musical heritage but also ensures that it remains vibrant, relevant, and inspiring for generations to come. Their story is not merely that of a family—it is the story of a living tradition that continues to enrich the global cultural landscape.

The Sabri family’s curated content will continue to be featured by the International Museum of The Saree, with collaborative music show casing Ustad Kamal Sabri sarangi mastery and much more on Spotify, Apple Music (iTunes), YouTube, IHeartRadio other streaming platforms.

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.