One World Fusion 2026 Brings Musical Unity and Social Purpose to Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Ravindra Bharathi in Hyderabad resonated with an extraordinary blend of Indian classical music, Bollywood nostalgia and contemporary fusion on August 14, as the Sangitanjaly Foundation, in association with the Department of Language and Culture, Government of Telangana, presented the 13th season of One World Fusion 2026.
Held on the eve of Independence Day, the musical celebration carried a significant social message, with the programme organised in support of Autism Ashram. The evening demonstrated how music can transcend genres and generations while creating a shared cultural and social experience.
The programme was curated and conducted by Pt. Prodyut Mukherjee, National Conductor of Vande Mataram and a Grammy jury member, together with cultural visionary Abhijeeth Bhattacharjee.
A Celebration of Rhythm and Innovation
The evening’s major attraction was the performance by Pt. Prodyut Mukherjee and his band Rhythm Express. Mukherjee presented an unconventional fusion of mouth drumming, tabla, djembe, drums, vocals and vocal percussion, creating a distinctive rhythmic landscape.
A particularly striking segment was the energetic seat jugalbandi, which transformed the auditorium into a participatory musical space. Through rhythm, the performance brought together audiences across age groups and musical preferences, reinforcing the central theme of One World Fusion—music as a universal medium of connection.
The programme then moved through a rich variety of musical traditions.
Barnali Chattopadhyay, known for her playback work in Heeramandi, delivered expressive interpretations of “Saiyyan” and “Phool Gendwa”, followed by thumri-based presentations including “Rangi Saree” and “Barsan Laagi Sawan.”
India’s noted trumpeter Kishore Sodha added another dimension to the evening with performances of the iconic Sholay title theme and “Gulabi Aankhen.”
The energy rose further with Shubhodeep Das Choudhury, an Indian Idol finalist and playback singer associated with Dhurandhar. His fusion presentations of “Aaj Ibadat” and “Dil Se Re”, incorporating sargams and collaborations with drums, tabla and saxophone, created another memorable musical chapter.
A Finale Rooted in Indian Classical Tradition
The concert reached its culmination when the participating artists came together for an impromptu rendition of “Albela Sajan Aayo Re”, presented in Raag Ahir Bhairav.
The musical evening concluded with the artists and audience joining in “Vande Mataram”, marking the eve of India’s Independence Day and bringing the programme’s themes of musical diversity, harmony and nat
