Mumbai Revives Iconic Heartbeats Concert to Honor Tabla Legend Ustad Zakir Hussain
The cultural heart of Mumbai is set to pulsate with rhythm and reverence as the iconic concert experience Heartbeats – The Music Within makes a triumphant return on March 9, 2026, at Ravindra Natya Mandir. This revival serves as a grand tribute to the enduring legacy of tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, coinciding with the celebration of his 75th birthday, and promises to reconnect audiences with the primal essence of music.
The Profound Concept Behind Heartbeats
Originally conceptualized in 2008 by visionary producer Shashi Vyas, the concert is built upon a simple yet profoundly universal idea: the first sound every human being hears is a heartbeat. From this primal rhythm, Vyas explains, emerges our earliest connection to life, emotion, and ultimately, music itself.
"Music is the language of the heartbeat; it speaks to us before we even know words," says Vyas. "Reviving Heartbeats is our way of keeping that eternal conversation alive and honoring the masters, like Ustad Zakir Hussain, who have made music a gateway to the divine."
A Legacy of Acclaim and a New Generation of Talent
The original production, which toured major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, featured an extraordinary ensemble of maestros:
- Ustad Zakir Hussain (tabla)
- Shankar Mahadevan (vocals)
- V. Selvaganesh (percussion)
- U. Srinivas (mandolin)
- Sivamani (percussion)
It was celebrated for its unique blend of melody, complex rhythm, and compelling storytelling, creating a distinctive concert experience that resonated deeply with audiences.
Now, in 2026, the concept returns with renewed energy and a fresh lineup of prodigious musicians, each carrying forward the torch of classical tradition with expansive imagination. The revived edition will feature:
- S. Akash on flute
- Mehtab Ali Niazi on sitar
- Siddhartha Belmannu on vocals
- Shikharnaad Qureshi on drums
- Swaminathan Selvaganesh on kanjira
- Ishaan Ghosh on tabla
- Kaushiki Joglekar on keyboard
Artists Pay Heartfelt Tribute to a Maestro
The participating artists express deep gratitude and reverence for Ustad Zakir Hussain, viewing their performance as a profound tribute. Tabla player Ishaan Ghosh shares, "On the special occasion of his 75th birthday, through my music I want to thank him for showing us that when you are one with your instrument, nothing is impossible. He conquered the world with the tabla and taught us to do the same."
Vocalist Siddhartha Belmannu describes the maestro as incomparable, stating, "Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is truly a Na Bhooto Na Bhavishyati figure—one who has no past or future equal. When I sing that evening, it will be with devotion to his art and the immense contribution he has made to music."
For percussionist Swaminathan Selvaganesh, the concert represents a full-circle moment. "Stepping onto the Heartbeats stage, created with Ustad Zakir ji in 2008, feels incredibly significant. We all carry a deep love for him—he lives in our hearts and our music," he reflects.
Flautist S. Akash echoes this sentiment, adding, "His music carries a divinity that goes beyond rhythm. Being part of a celebration of his 75th birthday feels like a heartfelt tribute to a maestro who has inspired so many of us."
An Evening of Universal Connection
Through a seamless and dynamic blend of vocal and instrumental performances, Heartbeats – The Music Within seeks to recreate the intimate, visceral connection between rhythm and the human pulse. The concert journey will traverse emotional landscapes—from states of meditative calm to electrifying crescendos—showcasing the fluidity of rhythm across genres and generations.
As this new generation of gifted musicians takes the stage in Mumbai on March 9, the event promises more than just a celebration of a legendary artist. It stands as a powerful reminder that rhythm, much like the heartbeat, is the universal pulse that connects all of humanity, transcending boundaries and speaking a language older than words.
