Meet the Hosts

Gajanand Shekhar

Gajanand Shekhar is a first-generation American with Indo-Caribbean roots whose musical path began in jazz choir and eventually led to 8+ years of sitar talim under Ustad Hamid Hossain and Enayet Hossain. Along the way, he also explored the near-limitless world of South Asian classical traditions — and picked up the skills to repair both sitars and tablas when they misbehave.

These days, you’ll find Gaj wherever the music is happening — often seated on the floor in front of the front row, letting out a “kya baat hai,” capturing the perfect photo, or chatting with artists in the green room. At house baithaks, he’s probably also helping with the sound system, making sure the chai keeps flowing, and lending a hand to whoever’s hosting.

A passionate home chef and dedicated chronicler of live music, Gaj brings a deep love of tradition, community, and storytelling to Raagstars — making space for curiosity, connection, and a good plate of food along the way.

Mathew Poovan

Mathew Poovan has spent over 20 years immersed in North Indian classical music, learning sitar under Ustad Hamid Hossain and Enayet Hossain. Along the way, he also studied the fundamentals of tabla and classical vocal to deepen his understanding of the tradition.

In earlier years, through the Academy of Indian Music and Fine Arts (AIMFA) and its record label AIMREC, Mat had the chance to work closely with both mentors — producing albums, organizing concerts, and helping launch the Sangeetpedia mobile app, all part of a shared effort to keep the music evolving and accessible.

By day, he works in entertainment tech as a product manager focused on machine learning. By night (and weekend), he’s playing with his fusion band Laal Taal, teaching sitar, or trying to make sure his kids grow up hearing this music as something that belongs in their world — whether they become students, fans, or just vibing at a house concert.

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