Mumbai-based Hindustani classical vocalist Maahi Zaveri has been selected for the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training’s (CCRT) Scholarship Scheme for Young Artists for 2025–26. Instituted by the Government of India, the scholarship recognises emerging talent across cultural disciplines.
Maahi Zaveri is among 38 recipients in the Hindustani vocal music category nationwide, and one of only three female awardees from Maharashtra.
At 21, Maahi Zaveri belongs to a younger generation of classical musicians finding new ways to engage audiences while remaining rooted in tradition. Alongside performance, she has built a digital presence centred around riyaaz sessions, raag explorations and educational content aimed at making Hindustani classical music more accessible to younger listeners.
She began training in Hindustani classical music at the age of four and studied for a decade under Shri Nishad Bakre before continuing her training with Sushree Rutuja Lad in the Jaipur Gharana tradition. Her musical background also includes playback singing for films and music videos.
Among the notable milestones in her career is a performance at Humans of Bombay’s All India Mehfil, where she shared the stage with sitarist Anoushka Shankar. She is also the co-founder of Kaleidoscope Classical, a classical music quartet that has performed across the country, including at the Bangalore International Centre.
Prior to the CCRT scholarship, Maahi Zaveri has received recognition from Swar Sadhana Samiti, Mitra Foundation and Indian Oil Corporation for her work as an emerging classical vocalist.
Speaking about the recognition, a statement accompanying the announcement described Zaveri as “a powerful reminder that classical music remains deeply embedded in the soul of India.”
Maahi Zaveri continues to work across performance, education and digital content, with a focus on introducing younger audiences to Hindustani classical music through contemporary formats.
