Samta Prasad (20 July 1921 – 31 May 1994) born in Benares (now Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh, hailed from a distinguished lineage of tabla and pakhwaj players. His ancestral roots were deeply embedded in the Purab Baaj tradition of tabla playing, with many of his forebears revered as masters in this genre.
The musical legacy of Samta Prasad began with his grandfather, Jagannath Mishra, and his great-grandfather, Pratap Maharaj. His father, Harisunder, affectionately known as ‘Bacha Mitra,’ was his first guru, who began training him at the tender age of seven. Following his father’s untimely demise, Samta Prasad continued his rigorous training under Bikku Maharaj, a disciple of Baldev Sahaya. This foundation of long and dedicated hours of practice became a hallmark of his musical journey.
Samta Prasad’s first public performance in 1942 at the Allahabad Sangeet Sammelan left the audience spellbound, marking the beginning of a stellar career. Renowned for both solo and duet performances, he captivated audiences in major Indian cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Chennai, as well as internationally in countries like France, Russia, and Scotland (Edinburgh). His contributions to the Indian classical music scene were significant, including his leadership role as the head of the Bharatiya Sanskritik Mandal.
In addition to his live performances, Samta Prasad made substantial contributions to the film industry, playing tabla for numerous iconic music composers. His work featured in several classic films, including “Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje” (1955), “Basant Bahar” (1956), “Meri Surat Teri Aankhen” (1963), and the legendary “Sholay” (1975). Among his notable disciples was the celebrated music composer Rahul Dev Burman, who recorded the popular song “Naache Mun Mora” from “Meri Surat Teri Aankhen” only after Pandit Samta Prasad returned from Benares, underscoring the maestro’s profound influence on contemporary music.
Samta Prasad’s legacy continues to inspire and shape the world of Indian classical music, celebrating the rich heritage and timeless beauty of the tabla.