Key Points
- Melbourne drummer Eshan Lakhani was diagnosed with developmental delay when he was two.
- The 12-year-old musician has performed on stage with many big international artists.
- Eshan’s family is thankful to Australia for providing a nurturing environment.
Eshan first caught the public’s eye when, aged just nine, he performed at a concert by popular Pakistani singer Atif Aslam in Melbourne in 2018.
While his musical ascent has been swift, his journey has not been without obstacles.
When Eshan was two he was diagnosed with ADHD and developmental delay. It was around the same time he picked up a pair of drumsticks for the first time.
“Music makes me happy, it excites me,” Eshan tells SBS Urdu, explaining that he enjoys playing rock, funk, jazz and hip hop songs.
Now aged 12, Eshan can boast of more than 70,000 followers on Facebook and of sharing the stage with stars like famous Indian singer Karan Aujla.
Eshan’s mother, Erum Ali, who works as a registered nurse, says his neurodivergence was evident early on.
“We knew Eshan was different when he was born. And we’ve helped and supported him in every possible way to make his dreams come true,” she says.
“He showed an interest in drumming from an early age and his love for it increased with the passage of time.”
Eshan’s passion has taken him to the street, with Melbourne City Council granting him a premium busking permit.
He regularly performs in the CBD watched on by an appreciative crowd.
Erum says she is thankful to Australian society for providing an environment for children like Eshan to learn, grow and pursue their passions.
“Though there are people in society who will discourage you, this beautiful society helped make Eshan what he is today,” she adds.
Melbourne drummer Eshan Lakhani was diagnosed with developmental delays when he was two. Source: Facebook / Eshan Lakhani
His mother says Eshan thrives in front of large crowds, when others might wilt.
“He’s performed in front of thousands of people, like at Margaret Court Arena in 2018 or Festival Hall in 2022. The bigger the crowd, the higher the confidence,” Erum says.
Father Imran Lakhani says he is proud of his son and that his musical ability goes beyond his years.
“Eshan is 12 at the moment but his music taste and knowledge is greater than a 24-year-old adult,” he claims.
One never knows what your child can do with their skills. It all depends upon the effort and love you put into their upbringing.Imran Lakhani, Eshan's father
Eshan, whose favourite singer is Guy Sebastian, aims to one day play with Ed Sheeran and BTS.
“My short-term plan is to perform on Australia’s Got Talent,” he adds.
Eshan has performed with Abrar ul Haq, Atif Aslam, Karan Aujla, Jimmy Shergill and Govinda, among others, and appeared at Melbourne’s SalamFest.
