Pioneer, Innovator, and Diva — Gauhar Jaan was all of these. The first Indian musician to make a record at the turn of the century, she saw the future and conquered the many challenges that recording posed at the time. She managed to retain the nuanced emotional expressions and musical depth of Indian classical music within the span of just three minutes — an innovation that influenced all music to come, making it accessible to millions.

She eventually became the most famous artist in the country, recording across styles and languages.

After having been largely forgotten, her incredible story was rediscovered and brought to life in the book “My Name is Gauhar Jaan!”: The Life and Times of a Musician by the author Vikram Sampath.

We wish to recognise and celebrate Gauhar Jaan’s incredible contribution to music and society, and dedicate this event to her.

Our poster is a reproduction of her likeness, printed on an Austrian matchbox sometime in the early 1900s — a testament to the fact that her music and story travelled well beyond our borders.

The Revolver Club has also submitted a proposal for a commemorative postage stamp in Gauhar Jaan’s honour, with a request for its release in 2030 to mark one hundred years since her passing.

This initiative draws a powerful line between the very beginning of records and their resurgence today. As the folks who have worked tirelessly for a decade to bring records back to the country, we feel a special connection with her.

Come join us in celebrating the life of an extraordinary Indian.