Young sitarist from Punjab wins first prize at state-level music competition 

Sehajdeep Singh, a student of BA III Semester, Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, won the first position by playing sitar at an inter-zonal youth festival organised by Guru Nanak Dev University.

Sehajdeep, who is pursuing his graduation in music, also clinched the first prize in classical instrumental (non-percussion) at an inter-university state-level competition organised by the Punjab Ministry of Youth Affairs at Punjabi University, Patiala.

Dr Neerja Dhingra, principal, ACFA, congratulated him on his achievement and inspired him to touch new heights in the field of music in the future. She appreciated the efforts of the faculty of the Department of Music, ACFA, for guiding him in his stupendous achievement.

Also Read: ‘Want to participate in Indian Idol,’ says Haryana girl who wins district-level singing competition

“Both victories are very special to me. I did not imagine I would win them. It is lovely to gain recognition and appreciation from all,” said the young musician, who played a piece based on Raag Yaman at the competitions.

The Jalandhar boy has been learning sitar from his father Inderjit Singh, a multi-instrumentalist himself, for five or six years now. “I have been passionate about music since my childhood. My goal is to perform as an independent sitar artiste,” he added. 

While he listens to various artistes, the sitarist draws inspiration from sitar maestros Ustad Rais Khan, Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, and Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. While he frequently participates in competitions, he knows there is a lot more to learn. “I try to do my riyaz every day for three to four hours. My focus is on honing my skill and performing even better,” he said.