Waah Ustad: a musical tribute to tabla maestro Zakir Hussain

Aalekh Foundation, in association with the Humnavaz Foundation, will present Waah Ustad, a grand musical tribute honouring the life and legacy of the legendary Tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain. The memorial concert is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, at 6:00 PM at Kamani Auditorium.

The event will feature two specially curated programmes bringing together some of India’s finest classical musicians and performers. The first programme will see performances by Amaan Ali Bangash on Sarod, Zuheb Ahmed Khan on Tabla, and Pt Fateh Singh Gangani on Pakhawaj. The second programme will feature Kathak by Pt Rajendra Gangani accompanied by Pt Yogesh Samsi on Tabla. The evening will be hosted by compère Sadhna Shrivastav.

Dr Rennie Joyy, Founder of Aalekh Foundation, said, “Waah Ustad is not merely a concert—it is an emotion, a collective gesture of gratitude to Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose brilliance elevated the Tabla to global recognition. Through this tribute, we aim to bring together audiences, artists, and admirers in a space where memory and music meet.”

The concert seeks to honour Ustad Zakir Hussain’s unparalleled contribution to Indian classical music, world percussion, and cross-cultural collaboration. The collaboration between Aalekh Foundation and Humnavaz Foundation reflects a shared commitment to preserving India’s rich classical traditions while celebrating cultural icons whose music continues to inspire generations.

When: November 26; 6:00 PM onwards

Where: Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi