Smit Mhatre: Beating to the Rhythm of Devotion
In a world that often chases instant success, Smit Hemant Mhatre stands out as a rare breed—an artist rooted in patience, discipline, and heartfelt reverence for tradition. Based in Mumbai, this young tabla player and percussionist has been steadily building a rhythmically rich journey, one beat at a time. Behind the grace and control of his playing lies a story that began with a simple childhood habit—playing on utensils, like many percussionists do before they find their real instruments.
Where Rhythm Found Him
The year was 2007. Smit's mother noticed something special in her son’s playful percussion on everyday kitchenware. Guided by a mother’s intuition and belief, she introduced him to Pandit Baliram N. Patange ji, marking the start of his formal training in tabla. What began as a child’s fascination soon evolved into a deep, spiritual bond with rhythm and the art form itself.
From 2007 to 2019, Smit learned under the rigorous and loving guidance of his late Guruji. And for the past three years, he has been studying under Shri Swapnil Bhise ji, a promising torchbearer of the Punjab Gharana. Through these two mentors, Smit has imbibed not only the technical aspects of tabla but also the subtle values of humility, grace, and discipline that truly define a great artist.
True to His Taalim
Unlike many who look to develop a marketable “style,” Smit chooses a different path. He remains firmly loyal to his received taalim, refusing to imitate others and instead focusing on what the moment—and the audience—demands. This adaptability has made him a go-to collaborator for a range of musical settings, from Indian classical and light music to fusion, studio recordings, and musical dramas.
Milestones That Moved Him
Smit recounts two unforgettable projects that marked milestones in his journey:
Sharing the stage in 2021 with Ratnadeep Jamsandekar, one of India’s finest dholki players and one of Smit’s personal heroes. After watching him perform live in 2018 and mustering the courage just to click a picture with him, it took three years for that dream to evolve into a real-life collaboration.
Accompanying his Guruji Shri Swapnil Bhise ji for a solo tabla recital on 17th May 2025—a deeply emotional and proud moment that symbolized not just growth, but devotion fulfilled.
Fuel for the Fire
Smit draws inspiration from many sources—his gurus, his parents, his brother Akshay, and the ever-expanding world of musical talent around him. But above all, it is the ongoing work and evolution in the music community that keeps him curious, challenged, and motivated.
His creative process is simple yet profound: “Taalim, patience, riyaaz, and active listening.” It’s a formula he swears by, and one that continues to refine his artistry day by day.
Climbing the Rhythmic Ladder
Of course, like any artist, Smit has had his share of struggles. From building the physical strength needed to control the tabla, to adapting to a new playing style under his second Guru, each phase demanded resilience. His answer? Consistent riyaaz, humility, and deep faith in his mentors.
Currently, he’s involved in classical and ghazal studio recordings, as well as a few musical drama projects. But his eyes are set on a bigger vision: to be the best disciple he can be, to make his Guruji proud, and to someday perform on the finest stages across the globe, shoulder-to-shoulder with India’s greatest musicians.
A Message from the Heart
At the core of Smit’s work is a simple goal: to serve the music and those who share the stage with him.
“I always try to fulfill my co-artist's requirements—making them happy, and ensuring the audience feels satisfied too.”
And for upcoming artists, his advice is timeless:
“First, respect your Guru. Respect your art form. Be patient. Stay grounded. Practice with consistency. And always play to express, never to impress.”
Smit Mhatre isn’t just playing tabla—he’s living it. Every beat is a reflection of years of dedication, each performance a tribute to his teachers. And with every rhythmic cycle, he moves one step closer to the dreams that started with the sound of spoons on steel.You can follow Smit’s journey and visual stories on Instagram: @_smitmhatre_007
