Lachhu Maharaj: The Tabla Virtuoso From Benaras

Laxmi Narayan Singh, or Lachhu Maharaj as he was popularly known, was born to a musician family in Banaras (now Varanasi). He was trained by his father Vasudev Maharaj from an early age.

His sense of rhythm – never repetitive and always complex – mesmerized audiences beyond Indian shores. The maternal uncle of the Bollywood film star Govinda, Lachhu Maharaj never received the acclaim and fame he deserved during his lifetime. Ironically, a kathak dancer that shared his name achieved more fame when he was alive.



Lacchu Maharaj never chased popularity or recognition, even after playing great pieces in popular movies like Pakeezah. Such was his disdain for the popular recognition that he turned down the prestigious Padma Shri award. He was a rebel both in his playing and ideas – he was arrested during an emergency to which he responded by playing tabla in prison as an act of protest.

Accolades couldn’t elude him for long. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for performing arts. Google embellished his legacy by a dedicating doodle in his honour.

Lachhu Maharaj died in 2016 at the age of 71, and yet he continues to thrill and illuminate musicians and audiences around the globe.

Also read: The champion of the art of tabla - Ahmad Jan Tirakwa