Mumbai to host tribute to tabla Maestro Ustad Alla Rakha

Music lovers in Mumbai are invited to a unique evening that bridges the past and present of Indian classical rhythm. This weekend, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will host a rare guided listening session celebrating the iconic tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. Curated as part of the NCPA’s Nad Ninad series, this session will be led by his senior disciple and accomplished tabla exponent Yogesh Samsi, offering an intimate exploration of archival recordings dating back to the 1970s.

A glimpse into the the life and legacy of a tabla maestro

The session will highlight compositions in complex talas such as Dhamar, Pancham-Sawari, Teental, and Jhaptal—each showcasing Ustad Alla Rakha’s signature finesse and depth of expression. Alongside the music, Yogesh Samsi will share personal stories and insights, offering a rare window into the maestro’s artistic philosophy and technical brilliance.

Trained in the Punjab gharana and deeply influenced by vocal music traditions of the Patiala gharana, Ustad Alla Rakha played a pivotal role in bringing the tabla to global stages. His long-standing collaboration with sitar legend Ravi Shankar and his genre-defying work—such as the 1968 fusion album Rich à la Rakha with jazz drummer Buddy Rich—cemented his place in musical history. He also nurtured generations of disciples, including his son, the celebrated Zakir Hussain.

This session is part of Nad Ninad, an archival initiative launched by the NCPA in 2008 to make Indian classical music more accessible. With over 5,000 hours of recorded music and 1,200 hours of rare film footage, the NCPA archive features legends like M. S. Subbulakshmi, Vilayat Khan, Begum Akhtar, and Kumar Gandharva. These sessions are free to attend and serve as a bridge between past masters and today’s listeners, continuing the rich guru-shishya tradition in a modern context.

Free entry, first come, first served basis. July 5. 6.30 pm. At Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai

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