Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar is a modern Dhrupad vocal master, blending patient phrases with fine rhythmic control and an effortless vocal elasticity. His musical lineage stretches back far into the past – some trace it back to Swami Haridas Dagar, the 16th century teacher of Tansen himself.

He trained extensively to assimilate the grammar of his family’s Dagarvani Dhrupad style, receiving instruction from various relatives. His first public performance came just 12 days after his father Ustad Faiyazuddin’s death, singing a duet with his uncle Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar.

Today he tours as a solo artist, singing to Dhrupad’s rapidly-expanding global audience, as well as recording with his cousin Ustad Bahauddin Dagar. In his words, “purity of the note is very essential…music is an ocean. Each and every note has the depth of an ocean if you really want to see it with your microscopic eyes to judge the microtones”.

Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar performed at the Darbar Festival in 2009 alongside the talented tabla player Mohan Shyam Sharma, delivering a performance that highlighted the deep spiritual and musical richness of dhrupad. His mastery over the voice and deep, resonant tones captivated the audience. In 2018, Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar returned to the Darbar stage, this time collaborating with tabla virtuoso Sukhad Munde. Their performance showcased the harmonious interplay between the profound dhrupad vocals and tabla rhythms, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.