Hariharan, Ustad Zakir Hussain pay tribute to legendary vocalist Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan in Mumbai

Hariharan with Ustad Zakir Hussain

A teacher is often known by his students. For the late Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, there is no dearth of famed pupils. From Asha Bhosle and Geeta Dutt to Shilpa Rao, artistes trace their singing roots to him. Among them is also Padma Shri-awardee singer Hariharan, who will take to the stage at Haazri to offer his tribute to his guru, alongside Ustad Zakir Hussain on January 17.

"Rabbani, Khan Sahib's son, wanted us to perform together for the barsi. For us, it is a blessing that we have been invited to sing," the singer says. While Hariharan learned the nuances of Hindustani music under the tutelage of ‘Khan Sahib', Hussain was a protégé. The singer reveals, "He had been very close to Zakir bhai since the latter's childhood. When Zakir bhai was a college kid, he would play with Khan Sahib in his concerts. Ustad Allah Rakha Khan and Khan Sahib used to stay close to each other in Mahim."

The duo at a previous recording session

The one-day concert will include a felicitation of another legend, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia - for his contributions to the art - followed by performances by the maestro's grandson, Faiz Mustafa, who continues the legacy of his music. "I am happy that Faiz is singing that day, and will take the torch forward. I know Khan Sahib will be smiling upstairs," the singer shares.

The tribute will mark a new phase in the journey for the singer who recalls being awed by his guru after listening to an LP of him performing raag Bageshree and Bhoopal Todi. "I fell in love with his voice, and told my mother that I want to learn from him." This would come to pass after an incidental meeting with the Padma Vibhushan-awardee at a concert in Sion a few months later, he recounts.

The lessons did leave a mark. "He would always say ‘Work on your basics. Always practise slowly. You are disciplining your mind and your voice to sing what you want," the National Award-winner reminisces. It has been a while since he met Hussain, Hariharan shares, "It has been a wonderful experience whenever I've performed with him. We have done a lot of shows in America and India. He gave a new dimension to my singing and my compositions"

Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan

As an honour to Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, the singer will perform a bandish, as well as a few of the great composer's own works. "I will be singing Bahut bechain hai dil tum jahan bhi ho chale aao and Pesh e nigaah hai ishq ka," he says. These performances will be followed by some compositions of the duo's collaborations and songs from the albums, Haazir and Kaash, interspersing a 90-minute act. For those in the audience, as well as the late maestro, there could be no tribute more fitting.

On: January 17; 7 pm
At: Shanmukhananda Hall, behind Gandhi Market, Sion.
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Cost: Rs 1,000 onwards