Jaspinder Narula Celebrates Return Of Intimate Musical Mehfils At Mumbai Ghar Wali Mehfil Event

Veteran playback singer and Padma Shri awardee Jaspinder Narula recently reflected on the beauty of intimate musical gatherings as she attended the Ghar Wali Mehfil event hosted by Aarti Mattoo in Mumbai. The evening, held at the Fairmont Hotel, brought together celebrated voices from the music and entertainment industry in a warm, nostalgic celebration of live music.

Speaking about the initiative, Jaspinder Narula expressed deep joy at the revival of small, close-knit musical sessions that focus purely on melody and connection rather than scale or spectacle. She shared how her own journey began in similar settings, saying, “This initiative brings me great joy because my own career began with mehfils (intimate musical gatherings); I used to love those ghazal gatherings. People with a love for melody would sit together—whether the audience was 20, 25, 50, or 100 strong—in these small, cozy settings where the focus was purely on the music. It was a wonderful experience.”

The singer further explained that such gatherings are not just nostalgic but also essential for nurturing new talent. She highlighted how these spaces allow young artists to perform alongside experienced musicians, creating an environment of learning, sharing, and artistic growth.

She added, “We have started hosting similar gatherings in our homes, bringing together budding young talents, seniors, and colleagues with whom I have performed or shared time over the years. Aarti shares this passion. Initially, we had thought of hosting this at home, but her creative mind wanted to do something different. She surprised me by organizing this entire event.”

Jaspinder also emphasized that these musical evenings are not only about art but also about sustaining livelihoods in the creative industry. In a candid and relatable remark, she said, “Of course, there is the aspect of earning a livelihood, which is essential—after all, if a horse befriends the grass, what will it eat? This ensures their work continues, my work continues, and the audience gets a wonderful form of entertainment.”

The Ghar Wali Mehfil event, curated by Aarti Mattoo under Momentum Events, recreated the charm of old-school musical evenings. It brought together several renowned names from the industry, including Mame Khan, Akriti Kakar, Kunickaa Sadanand, Vipul Roy, Lucky Morani, Gitikka Ganju Dhar, and Shadab Faridi, making it a vibrant mix of folk, playback, and contemporary voices.

Guests experienced an evening filled with live performances, storytelling through music, and an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional mehfils where artists and audiences connect on a personal level. The concept stood out in today’s era of large-scale concerts, offering instead a more personal and soulful experience.

With voices like Jaspinder Narula leading the sentiment, the event highlighted a growing appreciation for intimate live music spaces. Her words served as a reminder that while the industry evolves, the heart of music still lies in simple gatherings where emotion, melody, and connection take center stage.