Pandit. Samta Prasad - Tabla
Pandit Samta Prasad was born on 20 July 1921, in Kabir Chaura, Banaras (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh into a family steeped in the tradition of Tabla andPakhawaj of Benaras gharana, sometimes referred as Poorab baaj school.
His preliminary taalim (training) started from his father, who died when Samta was seven. Thereafter, he took the discipleship of Pt. Bikku Maharaj, himself a disciple of Pt. Baldev Sahai and began to practise for long hours daily.
His first major performance was at the "Allahabad Sangeet Sammelan" in 1942, where he impressed the musicians present there, and soon established himself as a accompanist as well as a soloist.
Throughout his career he performed in various parts of India, like Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow, etc., and also represented the Indian cultural team while abroad in places like France, Russia, etc., and particularly in Edinburgh.
He also played the tabla in Hindi films like, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, Meri Surat Teri Ankhen, Basant Bahar, Asamapta and Sholay. It is believed that music director, S.D. Burman postponement of the recording of song, "Nache mora manwa magan tikta dhighi dhighi" being sung by Mohd. Rafi in the film Meri Surat Teri Aakhen until the arrival of Pandit Samta Prasad from Banaras .
He died in 1994 at his Kabirchaura residence in Varanasi.
*Bio suggested by Shawn Mativetsky
