Sat, Mar 21, 2026 | Updated 1:46AM IST

RUH-BA-RUH SIKANDER SE A podcast episode

Times of Bennett | Updated: Mar 20, 2026 22:52
In Ruh-ba-Ruh, we step into the world of Sikander, a folk artist from Bikaner whose voice carries generations of Rajasthani musical heritage. His songs are not merely performances but living echoes of devotion, valor, and storytelling traditions that once resonated in royal courts and continue to find life in intimate gatherings today. Through his music, we begin to sense how deeply culture is woven into everyday existence in this region.

Through Ruh-ba-Ruh, we explore Sikander’s journey as both an artist and a custodian of tradition. From learning music within his family to performing at weddings, cultural events, and community spaces, his life reflects the continuity of a heritage that refuses to fade. His narrative reminds us that folk music is not created in isolation it is shaped by people, places, and shared histories that evolve over time while staying rooted in identity.

In this Ruh-ba-Ruh conversation, we witness how music is not taught through formal training alone but absorbed through lived experience. It is passed down through observation, repetition, and memory from elders to the next generation. Sikander’s simplicity and quiet dedication reveal the reality of many folk artists who continue to sustain their art despite limited visibility, driven not by fame but by a deep sense of belonging to their craft.

Ultimately, Ruh-ba-Ruh becomes more than an interview it transforms into an intimate encounter. It brings us closer to the soul of Bikaner, where music is not just heard but lived, where every note carries history, and where every song becomes a bridge between the past and the present.
Through Ruh-ba-Ruh, we also begin to notice the spaces in which this music exists away from grand stages, in modest homes, small gatherings, and everyday celebrations. It is in these intimate settings that the true essence of folk music reveals itself, unfiltered and deeply personal. The absence of spectacle makes the experience more honest, allowing the listener to connect directly with the artist and the story behind each song.

In Ruh-ba-Ruh, this encounter becomes a reminder that culture survives not through institutions alone, but through individuals who choose to carry it forward. Sikander’s voice stands as a bridge between generations, quietly preserving a heritage that might otherwise fade. His music does not seek attention, yet it holds the power to move, connect, and endure a testament to the timeless spirit of Bikaner’s cultural soul.