Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Leads Historic Sarod Quintet At Safdarjung Tomb for ‘IBTIDA – Ek Mehfil’ With HSBC India

Ek Mehfil, in collaboration with HSBC India, proudly announces a landmark celebration of Indian classical music with ‘Live the Legacy’, an unforgettable classical Mehfil set against the majestic backdrop of the Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi on November 15, 2025. The gathering will feature the legendary Sarod Grand Master, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, along with his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and his grandsons, Zohaan and Abeer Ali Bangash. This rare three-generational performance will take place under the stars of Delhi, creating a once-in-a-lifetime musical dialogue.

India’s rich cultural legacy has always been expressed through its music, poetry, and gatherings where ideas and melodies intersect. This initiative presents India’s classical Mehfil at the iconic monument that itself tells stories of centuries past. 

This initiative is an ode to the India story, a narrative of resilience, timeless traditions, and artistic excellence. Through the voices of celebrated musicians and the intimacy of a mehfil, the evening aims to recreate the nostalgia of mehfils of yesteryears while reimagining them for today’s audience.

The collaboration between IBTIDA - Ek Mehfil and HSBC India is a perfect amalgamation of shared values, both championing legacy, continuity, and cultural stewardship. While IBTIDA restores the charm of the mehfil and celebrates India’s artistic excellence, HSBC India’s Live the Legacy philosophy underscores its commitment to honoring tradition while empowering future generations. Together, they create an experience that is not just entertainment but a cultural milestone, one that bridges past, present, and future, allowing audiences to witness heritage come alive under the stars.

As India stands at the crossroads of modernity and tradition, this mehfil highlights how classical music continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its history. It is not only about reviving forgotten spaces of dialogue and art but also about placing musicians, poets, and storytellers back at the heart of culture, where they have always belonged.

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Safdarjung Tomb, this mehfil is a reminder that India’s past is relived, reinterpreted, and celebrated. With this initiative of HSBC India and IBTIDA- Ek Mehfil seeks to transform the classical music space by making it more accessible, experiential, and resonant with contemporary audiences.

This experience embodies the spirit of IBTIDA, which seeks to revive and restore the intimate, soulful experience of the traditional Indian mehfil and baithak. Similarly, ‘Live the Legacy’ is more than just a concert; it is a profound journey through the timeless lineage, with the masters of the Sarod, a living testament to a family dedicated to their art form. The performance will be a unique and moving experience, as five masters of the same instrument, from three different generations, share a single stage. 

Tanvi Singh Bhatia, Curator, IBTIDA - Ek Mehfil, says, “In India, classical music has always been the soul of our cultural identity, yet our classical arts often do not receive the same recognition and stature in the manner they enjoy in the West. With this initiative, we aim to change that narrative by creating a platform that restores visibility and prominence to our artists, placing them at the center of India’s cultural conversation where they rightfully belong and showcasing it to a younger audience.”

Anubhav Jain, Co-Founder and Curator, IBTIDA - Ek Mehfil, says, “Our mission is to bring back the magic of the traditional mehfil, and there is no better way to do so than by celebrating a living legacy. To have three generations of the Sarod family on one stage is a moment of cultural significance and a testament to the enduring power of Indian classical music. We are honored to co-create this experience with HSBC and share this unparalleled performance with our audience.”

Commenting on the association, Jaswinder Sodhi, Head of Customers, Marketing & Digital, International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, "At HSBC India, we believe that preserving cultural heritage is vital. Through our collaboration with IBTIDA - Ek Mehfil, we are honored to celebrate the timeless legacy of Indian classical music and create a platform where tradition and modernity harmoniously converge. 'Live the Legacy' is a testament to our commitment to nurturing art and connecting communities through shared cultural experiences."

Under the moonlit skies of Delhi, the ancient walls of Safdurjung Tomb will come alive, echoing with the sound of five Sarods in perfect harmony. This will be IBTIDA – Ek Mehfil and HSBC India’s most heartfelt chapter, bringing to life an evening where tradition meets the present, and music becomes a bridge between what was, what is, and what will be.