AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Hariharan Come Together To Honour Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan

Music, memories and magic filled the air in Mumbai as four of Indian music’s biggest names came together for a night that was all heart. On January 17, AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Shaan and Hariharan reunited

on one stage to honour their guru, the late Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, marking his fifth death anniversary with a soulful Haazri.

Held at Jio World Garden in Mumbai, the evening continued a tradition upheld by Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s family — celebrating his life and legacy through music, just as he believed it should be. This year’s tribute stood out as four of his most celebrated disciples led the musical homage, drawing an emotional response from the audience.

The night opened with AR Rahman, who set the mood with a deeply spiritual and Sufi-inspired set. Performing alongside his ensemble, Rahman rendered tracks such as Mann Kunto Maula, Deewana Deewana from Tere Ishk Mein, Chaap Tilak, Khwaja Mere Khwaja, Kun Faya Kun and Piya Haji Ali, instantly pulling the crowd into a meditative trance.

Shaan followed next, beginning his segment with Main Hoon Don before reflecting on the influence Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan had on his musical journey. As a special tribute, he sang his guru’s ghazal Chale Aao, which became one of the most moving moments of the night. Shaan then shifted gears with popular favourites including Daastan-e-Om Shanti Om, Deewangi Deewangi, Chaand Sifarish, Dus Bahane and Jabse Tere Naina. Adding a dash of fun, he danced through parts of his performance and wrapped up with a crowd-pleasing medley of Chaar Kadam and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

Bringing in a wave of ’90s nostalgia, Hariharan took the stage next, opening with the ghazal Itni Shamma Ko Jalaye Hai Mera Dil Tanha. He went on to perform classics such as Roza, Baahon Ke Darmiyan, Yaadein and Tu Hi Re. One of the loudest cheers of the evening came when he showcased his vocal range with Nahin Saamne Tu, leaving the audience spellbound.

Sonu Nigam closed the tribute on a high note. He began playfully with Shehzada, teasing the crowd by starting Main Shayar Toh Nahin after the opening music of Main Agar Kahoon played, before seamlessly transitioning into the Om Shanti Om track. His set included last year’s hit Pardesiya, followed by a heartfelt rendition of Sandese Aate Hain as a salute to soldiers. He ended the night on an emotional note with Kal Ho Naa Ho and Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin.