Mumbai witnessed a landmark evening for Hindustani classical music as Strings & Wind, presented by Kotak Private, played to a sold-out audience of over 1,000 patrons at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA.
The concert brought together two of India’s most revered maestros , legendary Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan on sitar and two-time Grammy Award-winning flautist Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia—in a first-ever and rare collaborative performance. The sold-out evening reaffirmed Mumbai’s deep-rooted patronage for Hindustani classical music and marked a defining moment in the debut tour of the Strings & Wind intellectual property.
Curated by Perfect Harmony Productions and Cisne for Arts , the concert followed a structured two-hour format featuring individual solo presentations by each maestro, culminating in a compelling jugalbandi that seamlessly wove together melody, rhythm, improvisation, and emotional depth. Performed against the exceptional acoustics of the NCPA, the concert received sustained engagement and resounding appreciation from the audience. Light moments of humour emerged as the maestros reflected on the challenges of aligning schedules amidst demanding national and international commitments.
Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan stated, “This evening was about musical trust and shared sensibility. Performing with young talented brother Rakesh in front of such a discerning Mumbai audience made the exchange deeply rewarding.”
Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia stated, “Strings & Wind creates a thoughtful space where tradition is honoured through dialogue and exploration. Sharing the stage with Ustad Shujaat ji at the NCPA, before a full house, was truly a priviledge & learning experience.”
Abhinav Upadhyay, Founder, Perfect Harmony Productions stated, “Strings & Wind was conceived as a long-term platform rooted in curatorial integrity and production excellence. Witnessing a sold-out Mumbai show with such legendary artists validates the intent and promise of this IP.”
Harini Madhira, Founder, Cisne for Arts and Events stated, “Mumbai set a powerful benchmark for Strings & Wind. The audience response reaffirmed our belief that classical music, when presented with care and respect, continues to resonate strongly with today’s listeners.”
The evening concluded with a standing ovation, underscoring Kotak Private’s commitment to celebrating India’s living cultural heritage. With its Mumbai success, Strings & Wind has firmly established itself as a premium platform for classical music, setting the stage for forthcoming cities on the tour.