An Unforgettable Evening of Music at Mumbai's Iconic Asiatic Library Steps
As twilight settled over the heritage facades of South Mumbai, the historic Asiatic Library Steps were transformed into a spectacular open-air concert venue on Saturday evening. This marked a highlight of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, where Grammy-winning compositions and timeless classics merged to create a night of profound sound, uplifting spirit, and collective joy.
Ricky Kej Sets the Tone with Immersive Soundscapes
The evening commenced promptly at 6 pm with composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej, who performed under the open sky to an attentive and enthusiastic audience. Accompanied by his talented band, including frontman Siddharth Basrur—whom Kej praised as "a total rockstar in every way"—the musician ventured beyond familiar tracks like Duma Dum Mast Kalandar, Bam Lehri, and Jugni Ji.
Kej crafted a distinctive sonic journey that paired powerful, sweeping soundscapes with a visually striking stage presentation. Known for his seamless fusion of orchestral elements with diverse global musical influences, the band delivered an experience that was both layered and expansive, deeply moving the crowd and establishing the perfect atmosphere for a memorable night at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.
Usha Uthup Brings the City to Its Feet with Energetic Celebration
If Ricky Kej's performance invited reflection, Usha Uthup's set at 8 pm ignited pure, unadulterated celebration. Taking the stage with her trademark warmth and boundless energy, the music icon turned the Asiatic Library Steps into a vibrant dance floor, with audiences singing along and swaying to her timeless hits.
For Usha, the moment held deep personal significance. She expressed her excitement, stating, "Hi everybody, namaskar, namaskaram, satsriyakaal, salaam alaikum. I'm Usha Uthup and I'm so excited to be a part of Kala Ghoda one more time. It's going to be the first time for me, iconic and historic, being born and brought up in Bombay and then to get an opportunity to be at the Asiatic Library Steps."
The singer warmly acknowledged actress Mrunal Thakur in the audience, who danced and cheered enthusiastically throughout the performance. Uthup showcased her versatility by singing in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Italian, and Mexican, delivering hits such as Skyfall, Hello, Dum Maro Dum, Duniya Mein, Appadi Podu, Senorita, and Darling.
Nostalgia and Camaraderie Enhance the Festive Atmosphere
Adding to the evening's sense of nostalgia and camaraderie, Usha Uthup invited another audience member, singer Sunita Rao—fondly remembered as the voice behind Paree—to join her on stage. Sunita broke into the familiar refrain but playfully altered the lyrics for Usha, singing, "Paree hain yeh…".
Remarkably, Usha Uthup, who has been performing for 57 years, commanded the stage without any elaborate movement or choreography. Seated throughout her entire performance, she held the audience spellbound with every word she spoke and sang. Her effortless connection and constant interaction with the crowd underscored why her presence remains so powerful and enduring.
The evening was filled with music, fun, and plenty of dancing, serving as a vivid reminder of why Usha Uthup continues to be one of Mumbai's most beloved performers. This unforgettable night at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival celebrated the unifying power of music, bringing together diverse audiences in a shared experience of joy and artistic excellence.
