In a mesmerizing evening that blended nostalgia with artistry, IBTIDA–Ek Mehfil made its Hyderabad debut with the legendary Ustaad Shujaat Hussain Khan, reawakening the lost essence of mehfils — intimate spaces of music, poetry, and soulful conversation.
he city witnessed an unforgettable confluence of art, heritage, and emotion as IBTIDA–Ek Mehfil made its debut in Hyderabad with an evocative performance by Ustaad Shujaat Hussain Khan. The evening, part of IBTIDA’s Archival Series, celebrated “Stories of Yesteryears” — a tribute to timeless themes of Ishq, Pyaar, and Mohabbat.
Founded in 2019, IBTIDA–Ek Mehfil has evolved into a unique cultural movement devoted to reviving India’s traditional mehfil and baithak formats — experiences defined by intimacy, dialogue, and artistic exchange.
The evening’s highlight, Ustaad Shujaat Hussain Khan’s soulful recital, transported the audience to the golden era of Hindustani classical music. His signature gayaki ang and emotive sitar playing bridged generations, creating a deeply personal connection between artist and audience.
Graced by Hyderabad’s cultural and social luminaries — including Smita Thackeray, Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Jayesh Ranjan, Elahe Hiptoola, Iqbal Patny, Gaurang Shah, and Sabina Xavier — the event reaffirmed Hyderabad’s standing as a city of tehzeeb and refined artistic taste.
Reflecting on the performance, Ustaad Shujaat Hussain Khan shared, “For me, music is not just about notes and rhythm, it is about creating a connection. A mehfil brings artist and audience closer, allowing us to share emotions in their purest form.”
Curators Tanvi Singh Bhatia and Anubhav Jain added, “Hyderabad, with its cultural grace and timeless charm, was the perfect city to bring back the cherished nostalgia of the baithak tradition.”
By seamlessly weaving music, heritage, and human connection, IBTIDA–Ek Mehfil continues to reimagine cultural gatherings for modern audiences — reviving India’s artistic soul, one mehfil at a time.
IBTIDA Ek Mehfil Hyderabad Gallery:
