Omkar Dhumal — Shehnai Soloist, Composer & Music Producer

Biography

Omkar Dhumal is an acclaimed Shehnai soloist, multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, composer, and music producer based in Mumbai. He is known for redefining Shehnai in contemporary music. With many firsts to his name — at 19, he became the first musician to introduce the Shehnai into an innovative setup on MTV Coke Studio, paving the way for its evolution beyond traditional settings. Recently, he was featured with international pop artist Ed Sheeran in his album Play — tracks Azizam (Jams Around the World) and Sapphire. He also became the first Shehnai player to get featured in South Africa, in the prestigious Cape Town Jazz Festival.

With over 100 films to his credit, Omkar has worked with leading Indian film artists like A.R. Rahman, Pritam, Nakash Aziz, Salim–Sulaiman, Amit Trivedi, Sachin–Jigar, Sai Thaman, Hip-Hop Tamizha and more, and musicians like Ranjit Barot, among others. His work in the international film Mowgli, music by Nitin Sawhney, earned him praises as well. His performances span Hindustani classical, world music, global festivals, Bollywood, and jazz in diverse venues like Suburban Music Circle, Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Sangeet Samrat Alladiyakhan Music Festival, Global Citizen Live, G20 Music Festival Varanasi, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Serendipity Arts Festival, and the UNESCO NCPA International Jazz Festival, and others. A global performer, he has toured worldwide extensively.

Born into a musical family, Omkar trained under his father, Shehnai maestro Shri Madhukar Dhumal (Benaras and Kunwar-Shyam gharana), and presently trains under the legendary vocalist Pt. Arun Kashalkar (doyen of Agra, Jaipur, Gwalior gharana). Under Pt. Kashalkar Ji's guidance, Omkar has explored intricate taal structures and raagdari in Shehnai. His deep understanding of multiple instruments, including the tabla, piano, saxophone, flute, and oboe, also shaped his unique approach to the Shehnai. His dedication to the instrument's evolution earned him the Junior Research Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. He is a B-High graded artist of All India Radio, Government of India, having earned the grade in his very first attempt — a notable achievement in the grading process.

As the founder of Mahol, his original world-music project, Omkar brings together his roots in Indian classical music with influences from jazz, funk, and contemporary world music, with the Shehnai at the centre of its sound. Mahol's first release, Shehnai Funk, reflects this vision through a vibrant, groove-driven composition led by the Shehnai. His earlier original, Shades, marked the beginning of his exploration beyond conventional settings of the instrument. Omkar releases his original music through Eternal Imagery, his independent music label. Through his compositions and collaborations, he continues to explore new possibilities for the Shehnai while preserving its distinctive identity.

Early training

Shri Madhukar Dhumal

Father & Shehnai maestro — Benaras gharana

Further training

Pt. Arun Kashalkar

Renowned Hindustani vocalist — Agra, Gwalior and Jaipur Gharana

Omkar Dhumal playing the Shehnai on a boat in Banaras

Junior Research Fellowship, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India B-High graded artist, All India Radio (AIR) 100+ film soundtracks

Artist statement

My work begins with the sound of the Shehnai, an instrument deeply rooted in Indian tradition, yet full of unexplored possibilities. I see it not only as a classical voice, but as a living sound that can travel through funk, world music, cinema and experimental spaces.

Through my project MAHOL, I explore how the Shehnai can speak in a modern global language while carrying its emotional and cultural depth. My aim is to create music that connects traditions, musicians and listeners across borders, where Indian sound meets contemporary imagination.

For me, music is not only performance. It is research, craft, memory, innovation, and a way of building new sonic worlds.

— Omkar Dhumal

Original project

MAHOL

MAHOL is Omkar Dhumal's original world-music project, bringing together his roots in Indian classical music with influences from jazz, funk, and contemporary world music — with the Shehnai at the centre of its sound.

Its first track, Shehnai Funk, is out from the album MAHOL — a vibrant, groove-driven composition led by the Shehnai. Omkar releases his original music through Eternal Imagery, his independent music label.