Historic Launch of JHALAA to Celebrate Indian Music Heritage
In a landmark moment for Indian classical music, JHALAA, a brand-new raga-based music ensemble, is set for its grand unveiling at the prestigious WAVES Summit in Mumbai on May 1st. The ensemble features 12 exceptionally gifted musicians — six women (singer-dancers) and six men (singers and multi-instrumentalists) — blending the timeless soul of raga-based music with a contemporary flair to engage today’s audiences.

The Meaning and Spirit Behind the Name ‘JHALAA’
Drawing its name from the Hindustani classical lexicon, JHALAA refers to the exhilarating, rhythmically intense climax of a raga performance. True to this inspiration, the ensemble embodies electrifying energy, channeling emotional depth, layered textures, and innovative interpretations while remaining firmly rooted in tradition.

A Visionary Project Under the Bharat Maestro(a) Awards
JHALAA is the flagship project of the Bharat Maestro(a) Awards, an initiative launched by music legend AR Rahman earlier this year to celebrate India’s musical legacy and uplift a new generation of classical musicians. Personally curated by Rahman, the ensemble was formed through a global talent search, which attracted over 500 entries and culminated in the selection of the finest formally trained young artists in Indian classical music and dance.

Reviving the Golden Connection Between Music, Nature, and Emotion
Award-winning composer Khatija Rahman, along with music director and BMA Advisory Board member Sai Shravanam and Project Head Kannika Urs, has passionately brought the JHALAA vision to life. “In the golden eras of Indian music, ragas mirrored nature, seasons, and human emotions,” said Khatija. “JHALAA seeks to rekindle that emotional connection, offering an immersive experience that blends nature’s moods with life’s rhythms.”

Commitment to Authenticity: All-Live Performances
JHALAA is committed to delivering pure, live performances with no digital layering or pre-recorded tracks. Each concert will showcase the raw, powerful essence of compositions from legendary Indian gharanas, including works by Padma Bhushan Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab, Oothukkaadu Venkata Subbaiyyar, Guni Gandharva Pt. Laxmanprasad Jaipurwale, Padma Vibhushan Ghulam Mustafa Khan Saab, Kunwar Shyam Ji, and the saint Amir Khusrau Rahmatullah, along with original compositions by AR Rahman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Expected at the Grand Launch
The launch event is expected to be a momentous occasion, with the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi anticipated to attend the inaugural performance at the WAVES Summit — a premier platform celebrating global innovation in culture, art, and technology.

Aiming to Ignite a New Passion for Raga-Based Music
“Our goal is to spark a renewed love for raga-based music among young Indians and global audiences alike,” said Khatija Rahman. “Through JHALAA, we aim to explore endless possibilities and combinations within Indian sound traditions, bringing classical art forms to the forefront once again.”

The JHALAA Ensemble: A Talented Line-Up
The ensemble features a stellar lineup of artists including Ambadi M. A, Mayuri Saha, Abby V, Antara Nandy, Sudeep Jaipurwale, Karamjeet Madonna, Jaydeep Vaidya, Sivasri Skandaprasad, Faiz Mustafa, Aishwarya Meenakshi, Steven Samuel Devassy, and Divya Nayar.
The project is supported by Vocal Supervisors Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale and Dr. Narayanan K., with Sarthak Kalyani as Music Supervisor.

The Journey Ahead: National and Global Performances Planned
Following the Mumbai launch, JHALAA is set to embark on an exciting journey, with national and international performances scheduled throughout the year, aiming to showcase the richness and versatility of Indian raga music to audiences around the world.