Music took on the form of prayer in Mumbai on January 17, as four of Indian music’s most beloved voices — AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Shaan and Hariharan — came together on one stage to honour their guru, the late Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. Marking his fifth death anniversary, the evening was a soulful Haazri that celebrated not loss, but legacy, love and the timeless power of music.
Held at Jio World Garden, the concert followed a tradition cherished by Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s family — remembering the maestro not through silence or solemnity, but through melody. As someone who believed that music was the purest way to connect with the divine, the evening stood as a reflection of his philosophy. What made this year’s tribute especially moving was the presence of four of his most illustrious disciples, each carrying forward his teachings in their own distinct voice.
The night opened with AR Rahman, who immediately set a deeply spiritual tone. Performing with his ensemble, Rahman took the audience on a Sufi-infused journey that felt both intimate and transcendent. Songs like Mann Kunto Maula, Chaap Tilak and Piya Haji Ali resonated through the venue, turning the concert space into a meditative sanctuary. Tracks such as Khwaja Mere Khwaja and Kun Faya Kun further elevated the atmosphere, while Deewana Deewana from Tere Ishk Mein showcased Rahman’s ability to blend devotion with cinematic grandeur. The crowd listened in reverent silence, swaying gently as the music washed over them.
Shaan followed, opening his segment with the energetic Main Hoon Don before shifting gears to reflect on his personal bond with his guru. Speaking about Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s influence on his musical journey, Shaan then delivered one of the evening’s most emotional moments with Chale Aao, a ghazal composed by his mentor. The performance drew a hushed stillness from the audience, many visibly moved. Shaan then brought back the celebratory spirit with popular favourites such as Daastan-e-Om Shanti Om, Deewangi Deewangi, Chaand Sifarish, Dus Bahane and Jabse Tere Naina. Adding charm and spontaneity, he danced through parts of his set and concluded with a joyful medley of Chaar Kadam and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
Next came Hariharan, whose entry ushered in a wave of ’90s nostalgia. He opened with the ghazal Itni Shamma Ko Jalaye Hai Mera Dil Tanha, reminding the audience of his classical roots. Songs like Roza, Baahon Ke Darmiyan, Yaadein and Tu Hi Re followed, each met with loud applause and collective singing. One of the biggest highlights of the night was Nahin Saamne Tu, where Hariharan’s effortless vocal range left the crowd spellbound and earned one of the loudest cheers of the evening.
Sonu Nigam brought the tribute to a memorable close. Beginning playfully with Shehzada, he teased the audience by starting Main Shayar Toh Nahin after the intro of Main Agar Kahoon, before smoothly transitioning into the Om Shanti Om number. His set blended fun with feeling, featuring last year’s hit Pardesiya and a deeply moving rendition of Sandese Aate Hain as a tribute to soldiers. He ended the night on an emotional high with Kal Ho Naa Ho and Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, leaving the audience teary-eyed yet uplifted.
As the final notes faded, it was clear that the evening was more than a concert — it was a collective offering of gratitude. Through their voices, Rahman, Shaan, Hariharan and Sonu Nigam ensured that Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s spirit lived on, reminding everyone present that true music never fades; it only transforms.
