Hungama Digital Media is proud to present the 24th edition of Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals, one of India’s longest-running musical platforms dedicated to the timeless art of ghazals and committed to a cause that matters. Scheduled for 18th and 19th July 2025 at The Regal Room, Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai, the two-day event is presented by Union Bank of India and organised by Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) and Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust (PATUT). Staying true to its spirit, the festival brings together legendary voices, emerging talent, and a shared commitment to raise funds for cancer patients and thalassaemic children. This year, Khazana will pay special tribute to two legends of Indian music – Mohammed Rafi Ji, in honour of his centenary year, and Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji, celebrating his unmatched contribution to the world of rhythm and melody.
On Friday, 18th July, the festival will open with a mellifluous medley, setting the tone for a soulful evening, hosted by Rakshanda Khan. This will be followed by a duet performance by Anup Jalota and Barnali Chattopadhyay, and a heartwarming act by Manaswi Pandey, recipient of the PPUJ Award (Child). The evening will also boast spellbinding sets by Ajay Pohankar and Abhijit Pohankar, as well as Sudeep Banerji, Kalpana Gandharv, and the dynamic duo of Osman Mir and Aamir Mir. Representing the new wave of ghazal voices, Hetvi Sethia and Saleem Raja — winners of the Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt — will take the stage for a heartfelt ode to the genre’s evolving future.
On Saturday, 19th July, Khazana 2025 will continue with another rich lineup of musical brilliance, featuring Talat Aziz, Mahalakshmi Iyer, and Himaanshu Sharrma. Audiences will also witness poetic flair with Uday Divakar Pandey (Poet Category Winner) and Fareed Ahmed Khan (Talent Hunt Winner), both selected through the Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt. One of the evening’s highlights will be a grand tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji, brought to life by the ensemble of Rakesh Chaurasia, Shikhar Naad Qureshi, Ojas Adhiya, and Sanjoy Das. The festival will conclude with powerful performances by Pratibha Singh Baghel and Rekha Bhardwaj. Also taking the stage will be Vipul Kumar Ruhela and Minnatullah Khan, the Special Mention winners of the Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt. The evening will be hosted by Prachee Shah Paandya.
Audiences can tune into the live broadcast of Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals on the Hungama OTT App, as well as on YouTube (Hungama Artist Aloud and Pankaj Udhas) and Facebook (Hungama Artist Aloud and Pankaj Udhas). For those who miss the live stream, recorded versions of the edition will be available to stream on Tata Play Music, Airtel Xstream, and Airtel Play.
Expressing her excitement to perform at Khazana 2025, Rekha Bhardwaj said, “There are very few platforms that continue to treat ghazals with the respect and care they deserve. That’s exactly why I always look forward to being part of Khazana. More than just a festival, it is an emotional gathering where the art of ghazals is revered and revived. To perform here is to honour not only the genre but also the intention of giving back.”
Anup Jalota shared, “Khazana was born out of purpose. And it continues with the same clarity. It brings together the voices of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, all on one stage. For someone who has spent a lifetime with ghazals, I feel honoured to be part of an event that continues to uphold the vision of my dear friend, Pankaj Udhas ji.”
Nayaab Udhas, daughter of the late Pankaj Udhas ji, added, “Khazana is where emotion meets purpose. It’s an absolute privilege for me to continue my father’s enduring legacy through this musical festival. Although he’s not physically present with us, his spirit lives on in every note. The tribute to Rafi Saab and Zakir ji, alongside the incredible lineup of legends and newcomers, captures everything he stood for — art, integrity, and compassion.”
Echoing this sentiment, Neeraj Roy, Founder & Managing Director, Hungama Digital Media, noted, “Khazana means a lot to us. It brings together the beauty of music and a meaningful cause. As we remember the legendary Pankaj Udhas ji, we also celebrate the timeless charm of ghazals that he brought to life. Our association with Khazana reflects our belief in music’s power to heal, connect and inspire. We’re proud to support CPAA in their fight against thalassemia and be part of this special celebration of art and legacy.”