More than 50 acclaimed artistes from India and around the world are set to convene at Mumbai's National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) for "Maestro Forever", a two-day tribute commemorating the first death anniversary of legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

The event, scheduled for December 14 and 15, will bring together an exceptional lineup of globally renowned musicians, including John McLaughlin, Louis Banks, Dave Holland, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Ranjit Barot, V Selvaganesh, Shankar Mahadevan, Chris Potter, Sanjay Divecha, Gino Banks, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Amjad Ali Khan, and Niladri Kumar. Many of these artistes had long shared the stage and a deep musical camaraderie with Hussain.

Among the performers is tabla exponent Aditya Kalyanpur, who first performed with Zakir Hussain at age eight in the iconic Wah Taj commercial—an encounter that sparked a lifelong association. Reflecting on the upcoming tribute, Kalyanpur said the moment still feels surreal. "Honestly, I'm still struggling to accept that we are marking our guru's death anniversary. But he always taught us to celebrate life through music. For all of us — juniors, seniors, and legends alike — it is an honour to offer this small hajri in his remembrance," he said.

"Maestro Forever" will also see the presence of Zakir Hussain's wife Antonia, daughters Anisa and Isabella, and his brothers, bringing together family and fellow artistes in a deeply emotional homage to the iconic musician.