Prithvi Theatre Hosts Rehnuma Memorial Concert Honoring Ustad Zakir Hussain
Mumbai's vibrant theatre and film fraternity united under one roof on Saturday night as Prithvi Theatre presented its Memorial Concert, an evening deeply immersed in music, memory, and mentorship. Titled Rehnuma, the concert served as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, celebrating his unwavering encouragement and support for young musicians throughout his illustrious career.
A Night of Intimate Acoustic Performances
The venue was abuzz with energy as actors, directors, and theatre aficionados thronged the space, reaffirming the deep cultural bond that Prithvi Theatre continues to nurture across generations. The evening commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, followed by a spirited performance by Dhol players that set the tone for the night.
Kunal Kapoor, Trustee of Prithvi Theatre, explained the concept behind the event: "For the 42nd Memorial Concert, we presented Rehnuma. It was an acoustic version of the exclusive show that we performed at Lollapalooza India 2026." This stripped-down format lent the evening a rare intimacy, allowing every musical note to resonate profoundly with the captivated audience.
Celebrating Collaboration and Emerging Talent
Echoing this sentiment, Zahan Kapoor, another Trustee of Prithvi Theatre, added: "Keeping in tune with Zakir Hussain's dedication to music, collaboration, and generosity, along with his steadfast support for young musicians, we brought together some of India's finest young talent to perform and pay tribute to the spirit of the legendary maestro."
True to that vision, the concert showcased a stellar ensemble of emerging musicians, including:
- Zubin Balaporia on keys
- Gino Banks on drums
- Sheldon D'Silva on bass
- Mehtab Ali Niazi on sitar
- S. Akash on flute
- Faizan Hussain on percussion
- Ishaan Ghosh on tabla
- Shikhar Naad Qureshi on djembe
Their seamless interplay and harmonious collaboration reflected the very ethos that Ustad Zakir Hussain championed throughout his career, highlighting the power of unity in artistic expression.
A Gathering of Cultural Icons
The evening was as much about community and connection as it was about music. Among the notable attendees were a host of prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including:
- Kunal Kapoor, Zahan Kapoor, Shaira Kapoor, Karan Kapoor, Sanjna Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Babita, and Karisma Kapoor
- Neila Devi, Louiz Banks, Agastya Nanda, Navya Naveli Nanda, and Nikhil Nanda
- Mahesh Bhatt, Pooja Bhatt, Neena Gupta, Feroze Abbas Khan, and Akash Khurana
- Ila Arun, Shishir Sharma, Kirti Kulhari, Ishita Arun, Ira Dubey, and Divya Dutta
- Vivaan Shah, Rajit Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Suchitra Pillai, Dolly Thakore, and Nimrit Kaur
- Sayani Ghosh, Vrajesh Hirjee, Aditya Rawal, Suneeta Rao, and Bhamini Oza
This gathering underscored the enduring legacy of Prithvi Theatre as a cultural hub that bridges generations and fosters artistic dialogue.
The Rehnuma Memorial Concert not only honored a musical legend but also reinforced the importance of mentorship and collaboration in nurturing the next wave of artistic talent in India.
