Mumbai, May 2025: Whistling Woods International WWI, India’s premier institute for Film, Communication, and Creative Arts, proudly hosted the inaugural Cadence Music Festival 2025 — a three-day celebration of musical excellence that brought together legends of the Indian music industry, emerging talent, and passionate students under one harmonious roof.
The festival was graced by music legends including Sonu Nigam, Shahid Mohammed Rafi, Anu Malik, Sameer Anjaan, and Kratex, among others, turning the campus into a vibrant confluence of tradition and contemporary expression.
To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Mohammed Rafi, Subhash Ghai announced the prestigious Mohd. Rafi Music Scholarship for the music students, presented in the presence of Shahid Mohammed Rafi and awarded annually to a meritorious second-year student. The multi-day celebration featured a heartfelt tribute by Sonu Nigam and the music launch of Amayra, an upcoming film by Mukta Productions. Highlights included a hands-on music production session by Kabeer Singh of Dupahiya (2025), a masterclass by Shantanu Patel from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and piano recitals by WWI music students. A standout moment was the spontaneous jugalbandi between lyricist Irshad Kamil and composer Mithoon Sharma. On the final day, masterclasses by Anu Malik and Sameer Anjaan, along with a workshop by Taambdi Chaamdi producer Kratex, offered deep industry insights. The festival concluded with a high-energy beat-making and composition competition, judged by WWI alumna and actor Sai Godbole, giving students a platform for performance and professional feedback.
Reflecting on the festival, Meghna Ghai Puri, President of WWI, shared, “Cadence is a powerful platform where our music students get to showcase their talent to legends of the Indian music industry. Watching them conceptualise, curate, and execute this festival with such professionalism fills me with immense pride. While Whistling Woods International nurtures talent for the evolving media & entertainment industry, Cadence reflects the heart of who we are as an institution.”
Cadence Music Festival 2025 was more than just an event, it was a celebration of creativity, learning, and unity through music. As the final notes faded, what remained was a lasting impression of talent, passion, and collaboration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the mentors, performers, and audiences who made this experience truly unforgettable. With this success, we look forward to continuing our tradition of nurturing young talent and celebrating the transformative power of music.
