Bipin R Pandit’s much-loved musical evening ‘Khumaar’ concluded on a high note on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Savarkar Hall, Shivaji Park, Mumbai, with nearly 500 music lovers coming together for an evening that celebrated melody, musicianship and the joy of live music.
What began as an evening of music turned into a 4-hour-and-15-minute musical extravaganza, with an enthusiastic audience participating throughout the evening and, at the end of the show, asking for more.
Known for his distinctive approach to curating musical evenings, Bipin R Pandit believes that the USP of Khumaar lies in its careful segmentation and the discipline with which the flow of the evening is created. The programme is designed to take the audience through different moods and musical experiences while maintaining a seamless rhythm throughout the show.
This year, three segments emerged as particular highlights — the Musical Laikari, the Tanga Medley (Tonga- Ghoda Gaadi songs), both of which received an enthusiastic response from the audience, and the presentation of the Rafi Saab Award in honour of the late Mohammad Aziz, which was received by his son Jaazib Aziz. The award was a poignant moment of the evening, recognising Mohammad Aziz’s immense contribution to Indian music and celebrating the legacy he leaves behind.
The 2026 edition also introduced two new performers, Dhanashree Deshpande and Aaroh Shankar, who joined familiar Khumaar favourites Mona Prabhugaonkar, Chandrashekhar Mahamuni and Zeeshan Shaikh, who have been associated with the musical evening over the years.
Speaking about Khumaar, Bipin R Pandit said: “Khumaar acts as a real tonic for me and gives me the energy to up my game at Effies, EMVIES and ABBYs. Music gives me the high to put my best foot forward. I prepare myself with new Shayaris with some dash of mimicry and unheard anecdotes when I compère the show. The music lovers relate with it instantly. More importantly, Khumaar is about entertaining people, creating an experience and bringing a smile to their faces. When you see an audience enjoying itself for over four hours and still asking for more, that is the biggest reward. Further doing it for 20 years in succession is also quite satisfying”
The evening brought together music lovers who not only enjoyed the songs and performances but also displayed an infectious participative spirit, making the audience an integral part of the Khumaar experience.
With another memorable edition now behind it, Khumaar moves into its next chapter, leaving its audience with music, memories and, quite clearly, an appetite for more.
Over to next year.