Mumbai, July 2026: The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), in partnership with HSBC India, announces the 16th edition of the NCPA HSBC Bandish Festival, a three-day celebration dedicated to the legendary composers whose works have shaped India’s rich musical heritage. Taking place from 7–9 August at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, the annual festival honours the creators behind some of the country’s most enduring compositions through performances by some of India’s finest musicians.
Unlike conventional music festivals that centre on performers, the NCPA HSBC Bandish Festival places the spotlight on the composers whose bandishes have been preserved and reinterpreted across generations. Through Hindustani classical music, ghazals and film music, this year’s edition traces a musical journey spanning the 18th to the 21st century, bringing together compositions that continue to inspire audiences and performers alike.
The festival opens on 7 August with acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalists Padma Talwalkar and Jayateerth Mevundi, who will present compositions by legendary composers including Sadarang, one of the principal architects of the khayal tradition, alongside works by Gunidas, Abdul Karim Khan and Ramrang. Their recitals explore how these timeless compositions continue to serve as the foundation for artistic interpretation while preserving the grammar and emotional depth of Hindustani classical music.
On 8 August, celebrated vocalist Hariharan pays tribute to the great ghazal composers Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Qadir Khan and Nazar Hussain, revisiting compositions that have become defining works of the genre. The festival concludes on 9 August with Sourendro–Soumyojit and group, presenting a musical journey through iconic film compositions by legendary music directors including K. L. Saigal, S. D. Burman, Naushad, Salil Chowdhury, Shankar-Jaikishan, R. D. Burman, A. R. Rahman and Pritam, celebrating the evolution of Indian cinema through its unforgettable music.
“Bandish was launched in the year 2010 and since then our objective has been to showcase iconic works of celebrated composers. In the past editions, we have presented some memorable compositions across genres of legends like Tansen, Mirza Ghalib, Salil Chowdhury, Aman Ali Khan and many more. This year, for its 16th edition, the festival will feature works of revered composers such as Ghulam Qadir Khan, Mehdi Hassan and more. The grand finale will feature film music from directors S.D. Burman, R.D Burman, A.R Rahman and Pritam among others.
This has been possible because of HSBC India, and we are indeed grateful for their benevolent support through the past decade and more.
Come, let’s experience the magic of music amidst the Mumbai monsoons!” said Dr. Suvarnalata Rao, Programming Head – Indian Music, NCPA.
Over the past sixteen editions, the NCPA HSBC Bandish Festival has evolved into a distinctive platform dedicated to celebrating the composers whose works form the foundation of India’s musical traditions. By bringing together acclaimed artistes, rare compositions and diverse musical forms, the festival has kept the spotlight on the enduring legacy of bandish while encouraging audiences to discover the stories, creativity and craftsmanship behind the music. Today, it continues to serve as a unique space where centuries-old compositions are reinterpreted for contemporary audiences, ensuring that India’s rich compositional heritage remains vibrant, relevant and alive.
Festival Schedule
7 August | 6.30 pm | Jamshed Bhabha Theatre
Padma Talwalkar & Jayateerth Mevundi
(Hindustani Classical – Bada Khayal, Chhota Khayal and Tarana)
8 August | 6.30 pm | Jamshed Bhabha Theatre
Hariharan
(Ghazal)
9 August | 6.30 pm | Jamshed Bhabha Theatre
Sourendro–Soumyojit and group
(Film Music)
About the NCPA
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, is India’s premier cultural institution. Inaugurated in 1969, it was the first multi-venue, multi-genre cultural centre in South Asia. The NCPA is committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich and vibrant artistic heritage in the fields of music, dance, theatre, film, literature and photography, as well as presenting new and innovative work by Indian and international artistes from a diverse range of genres including drama, contemporary dance, orchestral concerts, opera, jazz and chamber music. Today, the NCPA hosts more than 700 events each year, making it India’s largest and most holistic performing arts centre.
