Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival Concludes With A Stellar Lineup Of Maestros

The renowned Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival, one of India's oldest and most prestigious celebrations of classical music, concluded at Kendra’s Open-Air Theatre in New Delhi on March 23rd, 2025. The festival presented a spectacular showcase of the finest talents in Indian classical music, offering a platform for both legendary maestros and emerging artists.

The festival traces its roots to the day India gained independence on 15th August 1947 when Mrs. Sumitra Charat Ram, the founder of the Kendra, held an all-night musical soirée. This intimate gathering of luminaries from the world of Indian classical music captivated the audience until dawn. The event led to the formation of the Jhankar Music Circle, which aimed to promote appreciation for Indian classical music through regular concerts and an annual festival initially held at their home and later at the Constitution Club, New Delhi.

On the occasion of the festival this year, Mrs. Shobha Deepak Singh (Chairperson – Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra) said, “The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival continues to be a cornerstone of India's cultural calendar. We’re proud to offer a platform for musicians who represent the finest of Indian classical music, creating a bridge between the timeless and the budding ones. This year’s festival will honour the legacy of our great tradition while also embracing its evolution.”

Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s (MSIL) support this year was a crucial factor in ensuring the festival's ongoing success. Their backing of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra played an essential role in promoting and preserving Indian classical arts.

On Friday, 21st March the festival commenced featuring a performance by the acclaimed Santoor virtuoso Rahul Sharma. Renowned for his unique fusion of classical, world, and contemporary genres, Rahul Sharma expressed his sentiments: “Nothing is more fulfilling than sharing the timeless sound of the santoor with an audience that appreciates the depth of Indian classical music. The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival has always been a cherished platform for artists like myself, and I am honoured to be part of it once again.” 

After his performance, the Padma Shri awardee and renowned Hindustani classical vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, captivated the audience with her soulful Khayal, Thumri and devotional renditions. Ahead of her performance, she had expressed as, “The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival holds a special place in my heart. It is a celebration of the richness of Indian classical music and a platform that honours tradition while encouraging innovation.”

The weekend of Saturday, March 22nd, featured the talented sibling duos Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee on flute, students of Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, and Prabhakar and Diwakar Kashyap on vocals, trained in the Banaras Gharana under Pt. Rajan-Sajan Mishra, as they presented their eagerly awaited festival performance debut.

The evening came to a close with a performance by Padma Bhushan Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee, the world-renowned sitarist from the Imdadkhani Gharana. Known for his dynamic style and over 2800 global performances, Pandit Mukherjee said, “To perform at the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival is truly an honour. It’s a space that has nurtured the finest of classical music over decades, and I am humbled to be part of it this year.”

The festival concluded on Sunday, 23rd March, with a performance by renowned khayal vocalist Pandit Vinayak Torvi, followed by a grand finale by Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, whose performance brought the festival to a spectacular close, celebrating his unmatched contribution to Indian classical music. Ahead of his performance, Pt. Torvi expressed, “Indian classical music is not just a performance, but a spiritual experience. The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival captures this essence beautifully, and it is a joy to be part of an event that continues to keep this tradition alive for audiences across the world.”

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, a frequent participant in the festival stated, “I have been involved with the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival since its very inception. It is always a privilege to perform alongside the exceptional ensemble they bring on stage each year. I look forward to sharing my music with the audience and continuing to uphold this tradition.”

The festival’s long history features names of iconic performers who are no more, such as Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubhai Hangal, Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Begum Akhtar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pt. Jasraj, Girija Devi, Kishori Amonkar, Ustad Rashid Khan, Ustad Zakir Khan, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma among many others.

The support of Indian conglomerates such as Maruti Suzuki India Limited ensured that this tradition continues to flourish. This promises to strengthen the partnerships between the corporate and cultural world while preserving India’s classical music heritage alive for future generations.

As the oldest music festival in the country, the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival is a guiding light of cultural preservation and innovation. It maintains its original essence while evolving to address today’s challenges. The festival remains a vital institution in India's cultural fabric and continues to serve as a platform for established and emerging artists to showcase their talent.