An integral driving force in the Coke Studio house-band from Season 1 – Babar Ali Khanna – is rightfully regarded as Pakistan’s finest Dholak player for his precision and melodic groove.

Growing up in a musical family, Khanna’s charismatic style birthed 20 years ago, as the grandson of Late Ustad Inayat Hussain Nagarchi and the son of Mushtaq Ali Khanna. Featured at The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in 2012 as a solo act, Khanna recorded his debut album with his father at the EMI Studio at the age of 17 years. And ever since 1996, started touring with legendary artists from across Pakistan including the likes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Madam Noor Jehan.

A brilliant improviser, Babar Ali Khanna will make his 9th appearance on Coke Studio in Season 9, with his ever-growing dictionary of signature rhythms and eastern grooves.