The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is set to host one of the most significant musical gatherings of the decade as it brings together over 50 national and international artistes for ‘Maestro Forever – A Tribute to Zakir Hussain’. Organised on the first death anniversary of the legendary tabla virtuoso, the tribute stands as a heartfelt homage to a musician whose influence reshaped global perceptions of rhythm, collaboration and cultural fusion.
A visionary percussionist, composer and collaborator, Hussain’s impact transcended borders and genres — from Indian and Western classical music to rock, pop, jazz and world music. The two-day programme will present a multidimensional remembrance of his life through musical performances, lecture demonstrations, talks, a photo exhibition tracing his journey, and documentary screenings.
Joining the artistes and admirers will be his wife Antonia, daughters Anisa and Isabella, and his brothers, coming together to honour the memory of the man who redefined the tabla and inspired generations.
The line-up features some of the world’s finest musical luminaries, including John McLaughlin, Louis Banks, Dave Holland, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Ranjit Barot, V. Selvaganesh, Shankar Mahadevan, Chris Potter, Sanjay Divecha, Gino Banks, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Amjad Ali Khan and Niladri Kumar, among many others who shared the stage, spirit and camaraderie with the maestro.
Join us in celebrating a life and legacy that transformed the world of music.
Dates: 14th & 15th December 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Venue: NCPA (Multiple Venues)
As the curtains rise on this monumental tribute, NCPA reaffirms that Zakir Hussain’s rhythm will continue to echo across generations and geographies.
