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As sparkling stars twinkled away across the late evening wintry sky above, a galaxy of musical iconic stars performed lbelow-live on earth---showcasing their sentimental yet devotional vocal brilliance. While showbiz actor-stars and guest singers seated in the audience, were seen applauding heartily after each vocal performance.
This was at the much-anticipated ‘Haazri’ live mesmerizing concert-mehfil held yesterday night at Jio World Garden in Bandra Kurla Complex. The spacious-open-air-outdoor Jio WC prestige venue was transformed into a resonating haven of soulful sufiyana soul-stirring melodies---- even as the third edition of Haazri unfolded to a spellbound appreciative audience..
The sentimental event, dedicated to the enduring legacy of the late Padma Vibhushan revered vocalist Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan saw a captivating performance by the iconic, Oscar-winning maestro-musician-singer-genius composer A.R. Rahman, who paid heartfelt-harmonius-homage to his Guru with a selection of Sufi classics, including ‘Khwaja Mere Khwaja,’ ( from ‘Jodha Akbar’ movie), ‘Kun Faya Kun,’ ‘Maula’ and ‘Izzu Mantasha’ among others . The vocal maestro Rahman, brilliantly played the harmonium, even as he sang his Sufi songs, on stage, with his eyes closed in devotion towards the Supreme Divine Powers. Supporting him on stage was his chorus team and his concert team of famous ace musicians including drummer-percussionist Anand Sivamani.
Adding to the devotional music magic, veteran vocalist Hariharan’s mellifluous voice resonated through the venue, while Ustad ji's sons, Murtuza Mustafa Khan, Qadir Mustafa Khan, Rabbani Mustafa Khan, and Hasan Mustafa Khan, along with his grandsons Faiz Mustafa Khan and Zain Mustafa Khan, enchanted the audience with their renditions of ‘Aao Balma’, ‘Piya Haji Ali’, ‘Noor-Un-Ala’, among other songs, keeping the maestro’s legacy alive.
The ‘Haazri event (“Dil Mein Samaa Jaa” theme ) also witnessed the legendary Bollywood actress-classical danseuse and star M.P.Hema Malini being honoured with the 3rd Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Award. The award was presented by Ashish Shelar, Hon. Cabinet Minister of IT and Cultural Affairs, in presence of A.R. Rahman, Hariharan, Ustad ji’s sons Murtuza Mustafa Khan, Qadir Mustafa Khan, Rabbani Mustafa Khan, Hasan Mustafa Khan, and daughter-in-law Namrata Gupta Khan. The award recognized Hema-jee’s unparalleled contributions to Indian art and culture.
The ‘Haazri’ event was also graced by celebs Anjali (Sachin) Tendulkar, Sara Tendulkar, director Hansal Mehta, actors Sharad Kelkar, Kirti Kelkar, Aahana Kumra, Taha Shah ( of ‘Heeramandi’ fame) and Danish Pandor, as well as celeb-singers Akriti Kakkar and Benny Dayal, among a galaxy of other celebrities.
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, a towering icon-figure in Indian classical vocal music and a torchbearer of the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana, was a guiding light for many of India’s greatest singers, including Asha Bhosle, A.R. Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, Shaan, and Shilpa Rao, among several others.
Undoubtedly, Haazri 2025, organized by NR Talent and Event Management, proved to be a memorable mehfil of spiritual Sufiyana melodies, a few of which also had Western rhythm fusion elements by drum-wizard Sivamani!
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