Mahalakshmi Iyer, Shriram Iyer Bring Music And Social Impact Together At NCPA
The evening blended Hindi classics, retro favourites and regional music while spotlighting village development initiatives
Events
Music and social impact came together at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) as playback singers Mahalakshmi Iyer and Shriram Iyer took the stage for Melodies for Change, a concert built around the idea of using live music to support a larger social cause.
Held at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre on October 1, the evening brought together familiar Hindi melodies, retro favourites and regional music, while drawing attention to initiatives focused on village integration and transformation. The associated NGO works across areas including education, healthcare, livelihoods and environmental development.
The concert moved across a diverse repertoire, with performances of popular tracks including Aaj Ki Raat, Kabhi Shaam Dhale, Bol Na Halke Halke, Falak Tak and Mitwa. The set also featured evergreen favourites such as Lag Ja Gale and Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar, adding a strong nostalgic element to the evening.
Regional music also found a place in the programme, with Marathi favourites Sairaat Zhala Ji and Apsara Aali bringing a distinct regional flavour to the performance. The energy subsequently picked up with songs including Dum a Dum Mast Kalandar, Dum Maro Dum, Galla Goodiyaan and London Thumakda.
The show concluded on an upbeat note with Jai Ho and Hindustani, bringing the audience together for a spirited finale.
Beyond the musical line-up, Melodies for Change sought to underline the growing role of live entertainment in creating platforms for social engagement. Rather than positioning the concert solely as an entertainment property, the event connected the audience experience with a cause-driven initiative.
Speaking about the concert, Mahalakshmi Iyer highlighted the unique connection created through live performances and described the evening as an opportunity to bring music and purpose together.
Shriram Iyer similarly pointed to music’s ability to create a connection between artists, songs and audiences, noting that the concert provided an opportunity to build that connection while supporting a meaningful cause.
The event reflects how music-led experiences can increasingly extend beyond performance, creating spaces where entertainment, community participation and social purpose intersect.