On the occasion of his third barsi (death anniversary), the esteemed 2nd Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Award was conferred upon Tabla maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain at a ceremony held at the landmark Shanmukhanda Hall, Mumbai. The award was presented by Khan Saab’s wife Amina Ghulam Mustafa Khan in the presence of the family, Khan Saab’s sons Qadir Mustafa Khan, Murtuza Mustafa Khan, Rabbani Mustafa Khan and Hasan Mustafa Khan, his daughters, while daughter-in-law and presenter from NR Events and Talent Management Namrata Gupta Khan played perfect host to everyone that attended the event.
The occasion, marking the third barsi of the late singer also witnessed a mesmerising concert titled ‘Haazri’ by Padma Shri Sonu Nigam, the living legend’s tribute to the late maestro and his Guru, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, and undeniably the highlight of the evening. Sonu Nigam belted out the best of his songs from his musical repertoire, leaving a houseful of audience mesmerised and wanting for more! The evening also saw a bevy of singers, musicians, celebrities and dignitaries walk in hordes including Suresh Wadkar, Hariharan, Talat Aziz, MLA Ashish Shelar, philanthropist Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka, comedian Zakir Khan among many others.
Additionally, the inaugural day of the event 16th of January, featured Hindustani Classical performances – Flute recital by Rakesh Chaurasia, Sitar recital by Purbayan Chatterjee and vocals by Pandit Venkatesh Kumar at the Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha in Thane, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the celebration.
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, an unmatched doyen of Hindustani Classical Music, left an indelible mark on the world of music and his legacy continues to be celebrated through this award. The award stands as a testament to the legacy of this musical giant, honouring those who, like him, have made exceptional contributions to the world of Indian Classical Music. In its debut edition last year, the Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Award was presented to the flute maestro Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Indian Classical Music.
Ustad Zakir Hussain imparted, ‘This award holds a very special place in my heart.’ He continued, ‘I feel Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan is one of the great unsung heroes of Indian Classical Music. Over the many decades that he has sung, I would say, he has not gained the recognition and accolades that he truly deserved. His passing away has made a void in the transmission of the tradition of the Indian Classical Music – Khayal Gayaki. Nevertheless, I am happy that his legacy lives on through his sons and grandson who are teaching, singing and promoting Indian Classical Music. I hope the tradition of the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana continues to live on. Aur hum sab par Khan Saab ki jo chaap hamesha se lagi hui hai woh lagi rahe.’
Having performed songs that he is best known for, Sonu Nigam expressed, ‘Every artiste should do what his/her core strength is. Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab was an authority in Classical Music but he never ever told his students to quit their music and move to Classical Music. I have in the past performed in front of him and I remember how memorable it was! This is a tribute from a son to his father.’
Khan Saab’s son Rabbani Mustafa Khan said, ‘We take immense pride in presenting the award to Zakir Bhai this year. In addition to my brother Sonu Nigam’s performance, we have incorporated classical renditions by ace Hindustani Classical artistes this year. It is our steadfast duty to champion Hindustani Classical Music and this is a steady step in that direction. We aim to include more cities in our endeavor next year.’
