Zunain Khan has emerged as one of the foremost sitarists of his generation and is the principal exponent of the Jafferkhani Baaj, an innovation of his eminent father and guru Padmabhushan Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan. Zunain represents the 5th generation of the Indore Beenkar Gharana in the lineage of Ustad Ghairat Khan, Ustad Murawat Khan, Ustad Jaffer Khan, and his renowned father. Recognized for a unique subtlety is his approach and rendition of ragas, Zunain has developed national and international recognition leaving his audiences enthralled by truly delivering the legacy of the Jafferkhani Baaj and conveying the essence and the very beauty of his instrument.

Zunain was the official cultural ambassador at the Indian Republic Day Celebration in Beijing, officiated by current Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao. Other select national and international performances include Joenju Sori Festival in Korea, Festival D’ETE Nantes in France, Cal Arts in the U.S., and Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior. He has collaborated with Indian classical musicians such as Abhay Rustom Sopori in presenting duets and Guggenheim fellows, Flamenco artists Pedro Cortes and La Conja and danseuse Rajika Puri on a unique Flamenco-Bharatanatyam project entitled “Paani” which was presented at the National Center for Performing Arts in Mumbai.


Zunain was a Ministry of Human Resources and Development Fellow for research on various styles of Sitar Baaj. A graded artist with All India Radio, Zunain is Director of the Halim Academy of Sitar where he currently teaches and oversees the legacy of his esteemed father and guru. Zunain is frequently invited to conduct workshops and lecture demonstrations as a guest lecturer the world over.