In Hindustani music, meend (Hindi: मींड) refers to a glide from one note to another.[1] It is an essential performance practice, and is used often in vocal and instrumental music. On the veena, sitar, and other plucked stringed instruments, it is usually done by pushing the strings across the frets to vary their effective length and tension; compare portamento and finger vibrato. It is considered a sort of alankar, or ornament.
For example, Ulhas Bapat, veteran santoor player, who had collaborated with Burman since 1978 until his last film, 1942 A Love Story, played santoor in interludes of song Mera Kuchh Saamaan from Ijaazat (1987), including innovative meend pieces.[2]