By Mewati Sitaram
Padmashri Kailash Kher, turning his birthday into a celebration of musical mentorship, hosted the 9th edition of Nayii Udaan—an initiative close to his heart that continues to champion fresh talent from across India. Held at St. Andrew’s Auditorium in Bandra West, the evening resonated with emotion, artistry, and a deep reverence for the timeless Indian Guru-Shishya tradition.
Far from a conventional birthday celebration, the event placed the spotlight firmly on emerging voices rather than the artist himself. Since its inception, Nayii Udaan has been Kailash Kher’s way of giving back—an evolving platform that not only discovers new talent but also nurtures and mentors them into confident performers.
The 2025 edition embraced the enduring theme of Guru-Shishya Parampara. Notably, several of Kailash Kher’s former mentees—now established performers—returned to the stage to mentor the next generation, continuing a legacy built on learning and gratitude. Esteemed personalities such as Anup Jalota, Gayatri Asokan, Devangana Chauhan, Ameet Satam, and Sakil Mohmmad lent their presence in support of the cause, adding prestige to the musical evening.
The mentor line-up featured Amit Gupta, Priyani Vani Pandit, Abhas Joshi, Hriday Gattani, and Purusharth Jain, each bringing their distinct styles and experience to the stage. Together, they guided 10 handpicked young singers chosen from over 200 entries in a national-level digital talent hunt conducted via social media. These new voices came from different corners of the country and performed with passion and promise.
Unlike traditional teacher-student formats, the performances were collaborations—mentors and mentees performed side by side, blurring hierarchies and spotlighting unity through rhythm, melody, and mutual respect. Each act became a testament to personal growth, mentorship, and shared artistic spirit.
Presented by Kailash Kher and Kailasa Entertainment, along with Kailasa Records, KKALA (Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Art), and the Kailash Kher Foundation, the event was supported by Amar Ujala, Radio City, AD Media OOH, Shree Gangour Foods, and Damroo.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
