Ustad Amjad Ali Khan to perform in Riyadh for the first time
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Saudi Arabia is witnessing a growing fascination with Indian culture, music, cinema, and arts, as evident from the packed Riyadh cultural calendar featuring several Indian-themed events.
The latest addition to this lineup is a musical performance by Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, scheduled for February 6 in the Saudi capital.
Organised by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the event marks the legendary musician’s first-ever performance in Saudi Arabia, a country undergoing significant social and cultural transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's Vision 2030. The concert, titled "Three Generations, One Melody," is being held in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and will feature Ustad Amjad Ali Khan alongside his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and grandsons, Abeer and Zohaan Ali Bangash.
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, highlighted the strong interest among Saudi audiences in Indian classical music, calling it a reflection of the deepening cultural ties between the two nations. “The response to this event shows the growing admiration for Indian music, arts, and cinema in Saudi Arabia, which has strengthened significantly in recent years,” he said.
India’s cultural presence in Saudi Arabia extends beyond music, deeply influencing cuisine, entertainment, and artistic exchanges. Over the past few months, several high-profile Indian cultural events have taken place in the Kingdom.
In October 2024, the second edition of the Pravasi Parichay initiative brought together over 450 artists from 14 Indian states, celebrating India's diverse traditions. Around the same time, Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park hosted a ten-day-long Indian Cultural Festival as part of Riyadh Season 2024, further solidifying India’s presence on the Kingdom’s cultural map.
Bollywood’s presence in Saudi Arabia also continues to grow. Recently, Hrithik Roshan was honored at the Joy Awards in Riyadh for completing 25 years in the film industry. Adding to the musical lineup, Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman is slated to perform in Riyadh next month, promising another major highlight for Indian cultural enthusiasts in the region.
Dr. Khan emphasised that these cultural exchanges not only strengthen people-to-people connections but also highlight the immense potential for collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia.