Shaik Mahaboob Subhani: A maestro of strings weaving Carnatic soul, cinematic magic

Hans India

08-06-2025

From the culturally rich soil of Ongole in Andhra Pradesh, emerges a musical phenomenon, Shaik Mahaboob Subhani. A name synonymous with power, energy, and an unparalleled mastery of string instruments, Subhani stands as a towering figure in the Carnatic music landscape and a vital force in the Indian film industry. His journey is a testament to unwavering dedication, a profound lineage, and an insatiable quest for musical excellence.
Subhani's roots run deep within a family steeped in musical tradition. He is the distinguished grandson of Nadabrahma, Nadaswara Vidwan Throvagunta Shaik Hassan Saheb, a revered guru to none other than the Padma Sri Dr Sheik China Moulana. This profound lineage places Subhani as a proud inheritor of the 'Sisya Parampara' of the great Vaggeyakara 'Sri Tyagaraja Swamy,' one of the revered Trinity of Carnatic Classical Music.
His formative years were marked by an intensive decade-long tutelage under his grandfather, Throvagunta Shaik Hassan Saheb, and his father, Nadaswara Vidwan Throvagunta Shaik Kasmur Mastan Saheb, an esteemed AIR artist. Even at the zenith of his illustrious career, Subhani's thirst for knowledge remains unquenched, as he continues to seek guidance from a diverse array of instrumental and vocal maestros.
A career defined by brilliance and versatility
SM Subhani's concert career blossomed at the tender age of eight, performing alongside his grandfather and father. His vibrant performances, infused with a rich imagination and a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, have captivated audiences across India and internationally. His music possesses an endearing quality, forging an instant connection with listeners from all walks of life.
Subhani has graced numerous temples, sabhas, and cultural events with solo, duet, and trio concerts, often alongside his revered gurus. He is a regular feature in premier organisations, Sabhas, and TV channels, tirelessly promoting Carnatic music globally.
At the age of 14, he was featured as a child musician on All India Radio Vijayawada. He later became 'Strings Subhani,' a leading string instrumental player in the South Indian film industry, proficient in over ten string instruments including Mandolin, Guitar, Banjo, Bouzouki, Saz, Pipa, and Ukulele, alongside Flute and Harmonium.
For over a decade, Subhani has been an indispensable strings contributor to the teams of celebrated music directors such as AR Rahman, Mani Sharma, MM Keeravani, Devi Sri Prasad, Chakri, Harris Jai Raj, Anirudh Ravichander, SS Thaman, Anup Rubens, D Imman, Ghibran, GV Prakash, Vishal Chandrasekhar, Ravi Basrur, Arjun Janya, Hari Krishna, Gopi Sunder, Justin Varghese, and Mickey J Meyer, contributing to over 1200 films across Tollywood, Kollywood, Sandalwood, and Bollywood.
His international performances include shows with NATA (North America Telugu Association), Ugadi Special 8 Events in 8 Cities across the USA, and various musical performances at AATA, TANA (United States of America), Dubai, Sharjah, and Kuwait.
Subhani's strings contributions have been instrumental in the success of recent Indian blockbusters such as Ala Vaikunthapuramulo, KGF, Mersal, Bheemla Nayak, Uppena, Ponniyan Selvan, Guntur Karam, Jersey, RRR, Pushpa, Sachin, Amar Singh Chamkila, Sita Ramam, Akhanda, Manam, Viswaroopam, Salaar, The Goat Life, Baahubali, Magadheera, and Rangasthalam.
His mandolin strings BGM for the National Award-winning song 'Samaja Varagamana' from Ala Vaikunthapuramuloo is legendary. He has also lent his talent to other renowned songs like 'Nee Kannu Neeli Samudram' (UPPENA), 'Dosthi' (RRR), 'Prapanchamey Ela' (Jersey), and 'O Seetha' (Sita Ramam).
Beyond the film industry, Subhani continues to perform classical concerts for prestigious Sabhas worldwide and has collaborated with eminent artists like Padma Sri Drums Sivamani for captivating fusion concerts.
He had the privilege of performing a Mandolin concert at the Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam festival in Vijayawada, conducted by the esteemed 'Sangetha Nataka Academy' in December 2024. He also had the esteemed opportunity to perform at the 178th Sri Thyagaraja Aradhana Utsavam in Thiruvarur, celebrating the legacy of Sri Thyagaraja Swamy. His concerts have graced renowned Sabhas like Vignan Samithi (Hyderabad), Visakha Music Academy (Visakhapatnam), Kaviti Thyagaraja Aradhana, Arasavalli Suryadevalayam, Srikakulam IIIT, Guntur Thyagaraja Aradhana, Kakinada Surya Kala Mandhir, Bhimavaram Thyagaraja Aradhana, Guntur Mahila Mandali Thyagaraja Aradhana, and Nellore Music Festival. His performances extend to Kaiwaram Thathayya Aaradhanotsavam (Bangalore), Subah-e-Benares (Varanasi), Puttaparthi Sathya Sai Seva Samithi (Puttaparthi & Hyderabad), Sri Kanchi Kama Koti Peetam, and Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple Syamasastry National Music Festival.
Subhani's talent has been consistently recognised with accolades. He was awarded the National 1st prize in the National Youth Festivals in 2005 for Carnatic Guitar and the National 2nd Prize in the National Youth Festival in 2006 for Carnatic Flute. In 2010, he secured the State level 1st place in three categories: Carnatic Guitar, Flute, and Harmonium, at the Andhra Pradesh state youth Awards.
Shaik Mahaboob Subhani is more than a musician; he is a living embodiment of musical heritage and a vibrant force shaping the soundscape of Indian cinema. His dedication, versatility, and profound connection to both classical and contemporary forms of music make him a truly exceptional artist, whose melodies will resonate for generations to come.