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The National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai is bringing together more than 50 artistes from India and around the world for a two-day celebration of Ustad Zakir Hussain. The festival, titled Maestro Forever: A Tribute to Zakir Hussain, will run across multiple NCPA venues from 9 am onward on both days.
The programme includes morning Hindustani classical recitals, evening concerts by family and long-time collaborators, film screenings by Sumantra Ghosal and a photography exhibition by Dayanita Singh. Performers include Ajoy Chakrabarty, Amjad Ali Khan with Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Rakesh Chaurasia, Selvaganesh, Vijay Ghate, Fazal Qureshi, Taufiq Qureshi, Shankar Mahadevan and members of the extended Shakti family.
Zakir Hussain’s wife, Antonia Minnecola, said the gathering had been in the works for months and that the family had been overwhelmed by the love they received. She said Zakir’s connection with guitarist John McLaughlin and the group Shakti was very special and that he always dreamt of creating an institute for young artists. The family has now set that up in his memory.
Taufiq Qureshi said Zakir always insisted on celebration over mourning and added that the tribute was meant to honour his music and the joy he brought to people.
Shakti guitarist John McLaughlin said Zakir had been part of his life since 1969 and that it was impossible to describe his genius. Shankar Mahadevan called him a transformative force who changed the way the band understood music. Selvaganesh said he felt as if he had lost his right hand but still sensed Zakir’s presence in the music.
For audiences, the tribute offers a rare opportunity to see the many worlds Zakir Hussain influenced. Across two days, the festival brings together classical music, fusion, jazz and dance, along with stories, memories and performances from those who knew him best.
Also Read: Def Leppard announces debut India tour with three-city run in March 2026
The programme includes morning Hindustani classical recitals, evening concerts by family and long-time collaborators, film screenings by Sumantra Ghosal and a photography exhibition by Dayanita Singh. Performers include Ajoy Chakrabarty, Amjad Ali Khan with Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Rakesh Chaurasia, Selvaganesh, Vijay Ghate, Fazal Qureshi, Taufiq Qureshi, Shankar Mahadevan and members of the extended Shakti family.
Zakir Hussain’s wife, Antonia Minnecola, said the gathering had been in the works for months and that the family had been overwhelmed by the love they received. She said Zakir’s connection with guitarist John McLaughlin and the group Shakti was very special and that he always dreamt of creating an institute for young artists. The family has now set that up in his memory.
Taufiq Qureshi said Zakir always insisted on celebration over mourning and added that the tribute was meant to honour his music and the joy he brought to people.
Shakti guitarist John McLaughlin said Zakir had been part of his life since 1969 and that it was impossible to describe his genius. Shankar Mahadevan called him a transformative force who changed the way the band understood music. Selvaganesh said he felt as if he had lost his right hand but still sensed Zakir’s presence in the music.
For audiences, the tribute offers a rare opportunity to see the many worlds Zakir Hussain influenced. Across two days, the festival brings together classical music, fusion, jazz and dance, along with stories, memories and performances from those who knew him best.
Also Read: Def Leppard announces debut India tour with three-city run in March 2026
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