indian classical music

Mumbai's esteemed Aarohi festival returns for its 24th edition on May 20-21, showcasing six promising young indian classical musicians. Curated by Pancham Nishad, this free event at Ravindra Natya Mandir offers a vital platform for emerging talent. The festival, celebrating its legacy of nurturing artists, promises a vibrant display of traditional music with youthful expression.

A groundbreaking instrumental project is redefining the baritone ukulele's role, blending diverse global musical traditions like Flamenco, Indian Classical, and Blues. This seven-track work showcases the instrument's versatility, moving fluidly across genres to create a cohesive, narrative-driven listening experience. It highlights a contemporary trend in independent music towards hybrid soundscapes, pushing instrumental music's boundaries while emphasizing storytelling.

During a recent interaction, Nick Jonas was asked to name the one song that can instantly pull him to the dance floor at a wedding. While mentioning classic international party tracks, the singer also picked a Bollywood chartbuster. Recently, Nick posted a video featuring himself and his brothers grooving to Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar track.

Italian artists captivated Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rome with a classical Indian music performance, Hamsadhwani. Modi lauded the musicians, sharing a video and expressing delight at Indian music's growing popularity in Italy. The performers themselves shared their joy, noting the Prime Minister's active engagement and genuine enthusiasm during the cultural welcome. Read on to know more in detail.

Prime Minister Modi's recent five-nation tour saw him present world leaders with culturally rich Indian gifts. From Assam's golden Muga silk to Manipur's Shirui Lily stoles and Agra's marble inlay boxes, these presents showcased India's diverse traditional crafts, agricultural bounty, and musical heritage, fostering cultural exchange.

Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Sabir Khan, a 'khalifa' of the Farukhabad gharana, passed away at 66 following a cardiac arrest. He was celebrated for his masterful playing and dedication to preserving his gharana's legacy through the Ustad Karamatullah Khan Music Society. His passing leaves a significant void in the music fraternity.

Singer Alisha Chinai shared a rare photograph with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi from the late 1980s, alongside a personal letter he sent her in 1989. The letter thanked Chinai for a compact disc of Hindi pop songs, which Gandhi had enjoyed. Chinai described the moment as an 'epic moment' from a 'golden era'.

“We are also preparing to submit two tracks from the album for Grammys under the global and contemporary music categories,” reveals Stephen Devassy,

Intimate gatherings around music, conversation and craft are drawing a new generation of audiences to floor seating and slow listening

Ritwik Ghatak’s cinema remains profoundly relevant because his films speak to displacement, identity, memory, alienation, and the human cost of social upheaval — themes that continue to resonate deeply even today. Films likeMeghe Dhaka Tara,Komal Gandhar,Subarnarekha, andJukti Takko Aar Gappoare not just historical works; they are emotionally urgent reflections on fractured societies and personal resilience.

India's Padma Awards 2026 will honour cinematic legends like the late Dharmendra with Padma Vibhushan, and Mammootty and Alka Yagnik with Padma Bhushan. R Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anil Kumar Rastogi, Arvind Vaidya, and the late Satish Shah are among the Padma Shri recipients, celebrating their significant contributions to arts and entertainment.

Amitabh Bachchan shared an Instagram video highlighting the historic Bandar Abbas Vishnu Temple in Iran, built in 1892 for Indian Hindu traders. This post illuminated a lesser-known Indo-Iranian historical connection, showcasing the significant role of Indian merchants in the region during the 19th century.

From karaoke nights and café jam sessions to candlelight concerts, Bengaluru’s music scene is becoming more community-driven than ever

Mumbai's National Gallery of Modern Art will host a free animation workshop for children aged 8-16 from May 23-29, 2026. Mentored by Tehzeeb Khurana, the event introduces young participants to Indian animation techniques and visual storytelling, inspired by pioneers.

Singer Jonita Gandhi experienced a deeply personal homecoming performing in Toronto at A. R. Rahman's musical spectacle, Rangreza. She delivered a memorable rendition of 'Tere Bina' with Rahman and a live orchestra at Meridian Hall, a moment made even more special by performing in her hometown with family present.

Janhvi Kapoor showcased royal-core fashion at the Peddi music launch in Bhopal. She wore a rich purple lehenga set featuring intricate embroidery and beadwork. The outfit blended traditional drama with youthful charm. Kapoor accessorized with heavy gold jewelry, including a choker and jhumkas. Her beauty look was soft and glowy.

Rashmika Mandanna made a stunning global fashion statement at the Anime Awards 2026 in Tokyo, presenting in a black sequined Prabal Gurung gown. Her elegant look, featuring floral embellishments and a statement necklace, balanced glamour with effortless style. This appearance highlights her growing international presence and the influence of anime on global culture.

Indian band SANAM connects generations through music. Their covers of classic songs introduce timeless melodies to younger audiences. Older listeners experience nostalgia. The band's approach preserves the original emotion while adding their own style. This balance creates a unique space in India's music scene. SANAM's music extends memories across different age groups.

The ensemble, conceived by Sukanya Shankar and Anoushka Shankar, brought together six musicians across Hindustani and Carnatic traditions for performances across major American cities.

In an era where musical boundaries are increasingly fluid, sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee stands at the crossroads of tradition and experimentation. Rooted in the rich legacy of the Senia Maihar Gharana yet unafraid to explore new sonic terrains, Chatterjee continues to redefine the possibilities of indian classical music on a global stage.

Twenty-five years after its release, the creators of Lagaan reunited to reminisce about the film's challenging journey. Despite initial doubts from Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar, director Ashutosh Gowariker's vision, coupled with AR Rahman's timeless score, resulted in a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate globally.

In Chennai, the fitness landscape is evolving as traditional Tamil folk dances like oyilattam and karakattam fuse with high-energy cardio workouts. These vibrant classes not only provide a unique full-body exercise by imitating movements inspired by farm life and animal antics, but they also honor and showcase the cultural richness of the region.

Nashville's culinary scene has evolved beyond its Southern roots, with the MICHELIN Guide recognizing restaurants offering global influences and inventive dishes. From authentic Uzbek cuisine and Thai-style fried chicken to Indian-Southern fusion and Japanese comfort food, these establishments showcase the city's dynamic and diverse flavors, redefining its food identity.

Dancer Sohini Roychowdhury, alongside the India Quartet, captivated audiences in Austria and Germany through a unique blend of Bharatanatyam, storytelling, and indian classical music. Across 20 educational institutions, students explored Shiva's tales and Vedic concepts via interactive workshops, fostering cultural exchange. The performances highlighted the universal appeal of Indian artistic traditions.

Austria's World Peace One Inclusivity Festival showcased 65 global artists, including neurodivergent performers, celebrating unity and artistic freedom. Visionary artist Christof Hot curated the event, which featured a mesmerizing Bharatnatyam performance by Sohini Roychowdhury, accompanied by sitar maestro Indro Roychowdhury and tabla player Sanjib Pal. The festival culminated in a powerful finale honoring peace and shared humanity.

Actor Farhan Akhtar is intensely preparing for his Hollywood debut in Sam Mendes' 'The Beatles' project, reportedly playing Ravi Shankar. He's learning the sitar under acclaimed musician Purbayan Chatterjee, who guided him through initial secrecy. Akhtar's dedication to mastering the instrument for this significant role is evident, generating considerable buzz.

Indian band SANAM reflects on their journey, balancing timeless classics with original music. They share fond memories of Pune, their connection with fans, and the evolving music industry. The members discuss maintaining artistic integrity amidst business pressures and their current phase of rediscovery, aiming for authentic creation.