The Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan National Music and Dance Festival 2025 recently concluded in Hyderabad, successfully blending high art with heartfelt philanthropy. This prestigious two-day event, held on December 13 and 14, 2025, was organized to support the Autism Ashram, drawing together some of India's most celebrated classical artists for a noble cause.
A Confluence of Artistry and Social Commitment
Now in its eighth edition, the festival, organized by the Sangitanjali Foundation, served a dual purpose. It paid homage to the legendary vocalist Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan while showcasing the vast spectrum of Indian classical arts. The event underscored a powerful message: cultural excellence and social responsibility can go hand in hand. The participation of noted personalities like music director Prodyut Mukherjee, actress Rituparna Sengupta, and cultural curator Abhijeet Bhattacharya amplified its reach and impact.
Day One: A Rich Tapestry of Devotional Sounds
The inaugural day, December 13, set a spiritually charged tone. The audience was treated to a series of mesmerizing performances that included:
- Odissi dancer Jagriti Chakraborty with her graceful movements.
- Shehnai maestro Pandit Lokesh Anand, whose melodies filled the air.
- The resonant strings of santoor exponent Pandit Vipul Kumar Roy.
- The soulful renditions of Hindustani vocalist Vidushi Ivy Banerjee.
Each presentation was noted for its technical mastery and devotional depth, leaving a profound impression on all attendees.
Day Two: Culminating in a Theatrical Masterpiece
The second day, December 14, continued the artistic journey with equal vigor. The stage witnessed the brilliance of sitar virtuoso Pandit Partha Bose and the intricate melodies of sarod player Sanjay Chakraborty. The vocal duo Ritesh and Rajneesh Mishra from Banaras presented captivating Hindustani classics. The festival's grand finale was a specially curated classical dance performance by National Award-winning actress Rituparna Sengupta.
This performance, conceptualized and curated by Prodyut Mukherjee—a Grammy Jury member and GiMA awardee—in collaboration with Abhijeet Bhattacharya, received thunderous applause. Sengupta's dedication and focus brought a unique theatricality to the classical form, perfectly honoring the festival's legendary muse.
Artists Reflect on the Experience
Expressing her gratitude, Rituparna Sengupta stated, "It is an absolute honour for me to perform at the 2025 Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan National Music and Dance Festival. Celebrating the legacy of such a legendary musician through classical dance requires deep focus, and it was truly an unforgettable experience."
Pandit Prodyut Mukherjee shared his fulfillment, adding, "Working with Sangitanjali Foundation to bring together some of the country’s finest artistes to honour a musician revered as the Tansen of the 20th century has been deeply fulfilling."
Abhijeet Bhattacharya highlighted the festival's broader vision, noting that the Sangitanjali Foundation is committed to promoting Indian art forms and providing a platform for emerging talent. This ensures the nation's rich cultural heritage is propagated with both purpose and inclusivity.
By seamlessly weaving together artistic brilliance and a strong sense of social duty, the Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan National Music and Dance Festival 2025 has firmly re-established itself as a unique and prestigious landmark in India's cultural calendar. It proved that art, at its best, has the power to inspire change and support meaningful causes like the Autism Ashram.
