Mumbai, September 10, 2025 — The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is set to present a rare musical offering through its acclaimed Nad Ninad series, featuring archival recordings of legendary sitar virtuoso Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. The recordings, originally captured live at the NCPA in 1975, will be showcased in a guided listening session led by renowned musician and scholar Nayan Ghosh.
Scheduled for September 12 at the Experimental Theatre in Mumbai, the session is part of NCPA’s ongoing initiative to make its extensive music archives accessible to the public. Nad Ninad, launched in 2008, has become a respected platform for musical appreciation, offering curated insights into the artistry of India’s classical music legends.
Pandit Nikhil Banerjee (1931–1986), a disciple of the iconic Allauddin Khan and Ali Akbar Khan of the Maihar gharana, is celebrated for his deeply meditative style and vocal-infused sitar technique. His performances are known for their emotional depth, technical precision, and spiritual resonance. The 1975 recordings, preserved meticulously by the NCPA, capture Banerjee at the height of his creative powers.
Nayan Ghosh, who will conduct the session, is a versatile artist proficient in tabla, sitar, and vocal music. As the son and disciple of tabla maestro Nikhil Ghosh, he brings a rich lineage and deep understanding of Hindustani classical traditions. His global performances and accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, underscore his stature in the field.
The Nad Ninad series is part of NCPA’s broader archival mission, which includes over 5,000 hours of recorded music and 1,200 hours of film footage featuring stalwarts such as Vilayat Khan, Begum Akhtar, M. S. Subbulakshmi, Kumar Gandharva, and the Dagar Brothers.
Admission to the session is free, with limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event promises to be a rare opportunity for connoisseurs, students, and young artistes to engage with the timeless legacy of Pandit Nikhil Banerjee and deepen their understanding of Hindustani classical music.
