What CEO’s Can Teach Us About Music, Art & Legacy

Welcome to the very first episode of our podcast series celebrating the timeless legacy of Ustad Vilayat Khan, one of India’s greatest sitar maestros. In this heartfelt conversation, Zila Khan—acclaimed vocalist and daughter of Ustad Vilayat Khan—sits down with Shri Madhur Bajaj, industrialist and philanthropist, to reflect on personal stories, musical heritage, and the enduring bond between the Bajaj family and Ustad Vilayat Khan.

About the Bajaj Legacy:
The Bajaj Group, one of India’s most respected industrial houses, has a rich history not just in business, but also in philanthropy, nation-building, and cultural patronage. Founded by Jamnalal Bajaj, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, the group has remained committed to values of trust, integrity, and public service. Their inherent interwoven lives with business and culture stands as a testament to their dedication to preserving India’s heritage.

What to expect in this episode:

Rare memories of Ustad Vilayat Khan

Insights into the Bajaj family's cultural contributions

Reflections on legacy, philanthropy, music and heritage

A deeply personal tribute from two torchbearers of tradition

🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more conversations with iconic personalities, as they share untold stories and cherished moments that keep the memory of Ustad Vilayat Khan alive.

#ZilaKhan #UstadVilayatKhan #MadhurBajaj #BajajLegacy #IndianClassicalMusic #Podcast #LegacySeries #SitarMaestro #BajajGroup


Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Why Bajaj’s Story is as Much About Culture as Commerce
02:30 – The Untold Story of Smt. Vimla Bajaj’s Music Vision (insert pic of Vimla-ben here on screen)
05:12 – The Bold Experiment of Ustad Vilayat Khan That Redefined Indian Music
06:13 – How the Wealthiest Families Always Imbibed & Invested in Music & Culture (Music as the Ultimate Status Symbol)
12:36 – Bajaj & the Raga Connection You Didn’t Know About (When Business Tycoons Turned to Ragas)
14:12 – Zila Khan Reveals: Lord Shankar’s Darshan to Ustad Vilayat Khan
19:00 – How to Uplift Colleagues & Self-Teach Oneself
19:38 – PA to Ustad Vilayat Khan – A New Learning Class
20:34 – How to Be Receptive & Learn
23:50 – The Secret to Winning Hearts on Stage
30:00 – How Easy (or Difficult) Is It to Play the Sitar?
32:00 – Our Ancestors Watching Over Us – Carrying Legacy with Vision
32:55 – Life-Changing Lessons: Schools & Education Institutions
36:20 – Compositions of Ustad Vilayat Khan – Sung & Explained by Zila Khan
42:38 – Philanthropy in Today’s World: Why It Matters and Where to Begin
45:16 – Women Empowerment in Rural Panchayat by Bajaj Industries
50:00 – When Working Together Works: Keeping Heritage Alive & Saregama
52:20 – Playback Singing? Why Ustad Vilayat Khan Had Other Plans for Zila
58:26 – NCPA Archives of Ustad Vilayat Khan : Story
1:00:40 – The Values & Ethics That Turned Bajaj into a Household Name