This Sunday, a rare evening unfolded at the Red Fort . An exclusive gathering, organised by the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card powered by Visa , whispered an ode to the city’s past with a musical performance, a private light and sound show and food inspired by the streets of Delhi. In partnership with the Sabhyata Foundation , the cultural experience was designed specifically for Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card holders, blending heritage with luxury, and giving guests a unique chance to experience the Red Fort beyond the routine touristy visit.
The evening included a mesmerising Sufi performance by Deveshi Sahgal, a multi-sensory journey featuring a spectacular light and sound showcase narrated in Amitabh Bachchan’s voice, and a spread of Old Delhi’s culinary delights curated by Indian Accent. CEOs stood beside historians, food writers compared notes with curators - a gathering that made the Red Fort pulsate as the city’s living centre.


‘The collaboration fosters a deeper appreciation for India’s heritage’
Talking about the importance of the collaboration, Nakul Anand, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Sabhyata Foundation, stressed, “Our partnership in this initiative reflects our deep commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s architectural heritage. Through such collaborative events, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for our monuments by the public at large, while ensuring their preservation for future generations. The Red Fort stands as a testament to India’s glorious past, and events like these help bridge the gap between historical significance and contemporary cultural engagement.”

Highlighting the focus on tradition and heritage, Executive Chef, Indian Accent, Shantanu Mehrotra added, “It’s always an incredible opportunity to bring our food to iconic settings like the Red Fort, and this event was no exception. Many of our signature dishes, like the daulat ki chaat, are deeply rooted in Old Delhi traditions, and our curated high tea menu reflects that heritage, with highlights like the bhuna aloo samosa with white pea mash. Our heart remains with tradition, and we wanted every element of this menu to reflect that balance.” FNP Luxe was the floral partner for the evening.


Access to this specially curated experience was available only through the Times Black app, underscoring its premium positioning. The collaboration highlighted the unique positioning of the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card powered by Visa as more than a financial instrument – it serves as a gateway to extraordinary cultural experiences. Designed for discerning individuals who expect the exceptional, the card provides world-class concierge support and exclusive access to curated global experiences.


Bringing history alive with a one-of-its-kind show
Following the performance, guests continued with a guided walk through the Red Fort’s historic precincts to witness the light & sound show that vividly brought the fort’s centuries-old legacy to life. Guests remarked that the evening was a reminder that heritage, when tended with care, can still feel alive.
Priyang Dalmia, who represented Dalmia Bharat and the Sabhyata Foundation at the event, welcomed the guests and spoke eloquently about the work of the foundation. He highlighted, “This immersive, Broadway-like show is currently rated among the top five in the world by National Geographic. The only one-of-its-kind, it weaves projection mapping, theatre, film, dance, music, and puppetry into a single narrative. It tells the story of the Red Fort. In the past, kings and noblemen protected and preserved India’s culture. Today, it is our collective responsibility. We want more people to join us in this mission - to celebrate, to showcase, and to keep alive India’s incredible heritage and cultural diversity.”



‘Hearing Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ghazal at the Red Fort was a surreal experience’
Guests said the exclusive evening wasn’t heritage presented behind glass; it was heritage lived, tasted, and sung. Historian Rana Safvi shared, “To hear Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ghazal Baat Karni Mujhe Mushkil sung at the Red Fort was a surreal experience. It was such a beautiful evening.”


Deveshi Sahgal, who won hearts with her performance, said, “The Red Fort is a stunning venue. There is so much history, and when you perform, you feel the responsibility to live up to that history. I know the audience usually loves pieces like Damadam Mast Kalandar, but today I wanted to introduce some Sufiana qalams that are special to me. I performed Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ghazal Baat Karni Mujhe Mushkil and Rakho Meri Laaj Gareeb Nawaz, which capture the essence of Sufiana music and were perfect for this venue and evening.”

An iconic evening at the Red Fort

As part of 'An Evening at the Red Fort' for Times Black ICICI Bank credit cardholders, guests experienced a guided tour of the historic monument, an intimate Sufi performance by Deveshi Sahgal, a spectacular light and sound show, and museum walk, along with a bespoke high tea curated by Indian Accent - all while contributing to heritage preservation through the Sabhyata Foundation