A. R. Rahman's band Jhalaa to debut at WAVES Summit in Mumbai. Deets inside

This year’s WAVES Summit in Mumbai will see the debut of a new classical music troupe called JHALAA, curated by music legend A.R. Rahman. The group was formed with the aim of preserving the rich tradition of Indian classical music while inspiring a new generation of musicians.

Selected from over 500 global entries, JHALAA brings together 12 talented artists, six men and six women, who are professionally trained in Indian classical music and dance. The ensemble combines traditional roots with a fresh, contemporary approach.

The name JHALAA is inspired by a term from Hindustani classical music, referring to the energetic and rhythmic climax of a raga. Staying true to this spirit, the troupe performs live with only natural instruments—no pre-recorded tracks—offering audiences an authentic and powerful experience. Joining Rahman in shaping JHALAA are composer Khatija Rahman, music director Sai Shravanam, and classical dancer Kannika Urs. Together, they’ve worked to bring this vision to life.

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The group’s performances include tributes to legendary classical artists such as Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Amir Khusrau, as well as selected works by A.R. Rahman himself. “In the golden eras of Indian classical music, ragas drew inspiration from nature, the seasons and the changing tides of human emotion," composer Khatija Rahman told The Print. She added that JHALAA aims to weave these elements into their performances, while also expanding the reach of classical music to younger audiences across the world.

JHALAA is set to kick off its journey at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, a 4-day event from May 1- 4, expected to host many prominent names like Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


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