Riyaaz to recognition: Vocalist Maahi Zaveri secures CCRT scholarship

Mumbai-based Hindustani Classical Vocalist Maahi Zaveri has been selected as a Scholarship Awardee under the Scheme of Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (2025–2026) by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Government of India. Maahi is among 38 recipients of the scholarship in Hindustani Vocal Music across India, and one of only three female recipients from Maharashtra — a recognition that reflects both her rigorous training and growing stature in Indian classical music.

At just 21, Maahi represents a refreshing wave of authenticity in an age where trends shift rapidly. Through her voice, she continues to uphold the timeless essence of Indian culture while making Hindustani classical music feel relevant for contemporary audiences. Rooted in tradition yet open to exploration, her music reflects both discipline and discovery. Beyond performing, she is also contributing to how classical music is learned, shared and reinterpreted by younger audiences.

Part of a new generation using digital platforms to demystify classical music, Maahi brings riyaaz sessions, raag explorations and performance snippets into everyday culture — a reminder that classical music is not merely preserved, but continues to evolve and reach new audiences every day.

Maahi’s artistic journey began at the age of four with an immersion in Hindustani classical music. She trained for ten years under Shri Nishad Bakre Ji and is currently under the tutelage of Sushree Rutuja Lad, training in the Jaipur Gharana style, one of the most revered schools of Hindustani classical music. Her training also extends to early experience in playback singing for films and music videos.

Among the highlights of her career is her performance at Humans of Bombay’s All India Mehfil, where she shared screen space with world-renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar — a landmark moment in her early career. She is also the co-founder of Kaleidoscope Classical, an innovative classical music quartet bringing fresh ensemble energy to the genre and touring nationally, including a performance at the Bangalore International Centre.

Prior to the CCRT award, Maahi has been recognised as a promising young artist by Swar Sadhana Samiti, Mitra Foundation and Indian Oil Corporation.

Currently under the tutelage of Sushree Rutuja Lad, Maahi continues to work as a performer, educator and curator committed to making classical music accessible and relevant to younger audiences.