Omkar Dhumal

Omkar Dhumal is an acclaimed Shehnai player, composer, and music producer based out of Mumbai, India. He is the founder of the music label and record company - Eternal Imagery. Born in a musical family, Omkar grew up listening to and studying diverse music. During his teenage years, he delved into the study of tabla, piano, saxophone, flute, oboe, and shehnai, which contributed to his development as a versatile and well-rounded musician. His education in Indian classical music began under his father, Shri Madhukar Dhumal, a renowned Shehnai maestro, in Benaras and Kunwar Shyam Gharana. Since 2013, Omkar has been learning under the guidance of legendary vocalist Pt. Arun Kashalkar, virtuoso of the Agra - Jaipur - Gwalior Gharana.

Omkar’s music career began at an early age. He became the first musician to represent Shehnai in a contemporary setup in MTV Coke Studio, at the age of 19. Since then, he has worked in over 80 films and numerous projects with many leading musicians across the country and abroad, including AR Rahman, Ranjit Barot, Pritam Chakraborty, Salim-Sulaiman, and Sachin-Jigar to name a few. He has also been awarded the Junior Research Fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.


Omkar is the frontman of the novel Shehnai instrumental music ensemble Mahol, known for introducing world music through his original composition and showcasing the versatility of the shehnai. His debut original Shades infused with a tapestry of multifarious soundscapes and innovative design brought the shehnai an entirely new and captivating perspective and received critical acclaim. Alongside his work in composing, performing, and producing music, Omkar juggles a busy schedule across wide-ranging work.

Omkar is resolutely challenging convention by pushing the shehnai beyond its traditional role. He is boldly experimenting to elevate the instrument into the mainstream musical landscape.