“In 1981, I first heard Shafatbhai (Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan) in performance. He had been called to accompany the living legend Birju Maharaj. I was mesmerised, when both of them commenced their recital. The two hours thereafter was sheer magic as was Shafatbhai’s simple, elegant and excellent artistic persona and skill. The evening created a thrilling resonance, which is seldom heard,” recalls Shashi Vyas, director of Pancham Nishad Creatives. Today, on the occasion of the Ustad’s seventh death anniversary, Pancham Nishad Creatives has brought together talented musicians to pay tribute to the tabla legend.

Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan