Girish Setia
Founder – MASTER STROKE Event & Talent Management
Music Event Curator | Concert Producer | Talent Manager | Cultural Promoter | Event & Wedding Planner
Girish Setia, also referred to in some recognitions as Girish K. Setia, is an Indian music-event curator, concert producer, cultural promoter and the founder of MASTER STROKE Event & Talent Management. His professional journey in live entertainment is closely associated with the celebration and preservation of Indian film music, Ghazals, Sufi traditions and the works of some of Hindi cinema's most respected composers and lyricists.
Under his leadership, MASTER STROKE has spent more than two decades presenting concept-driven musical concerts and entertainment experiences across India as well as overseas. The organisation's profile describes its productions as carefully curated musical experiences designed around India's rich musical heritage rather than conventional entertainment events alone. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Over the years, Girish Setia has developed a distinctive identity around tribute concerts, thematic productions and live performances celebrating timeless Indian music. One of his most notable creative contributions is “The Signature Collections,” a title conceptualized and created by him that later developed into a recognizable concert identity among music enthusiasts. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Early Musical Influence & Association with Jagjit Singh
Although professionally trained as a textile engineer, Girish Setia's deeper calling was music.
A major influence on his artistic journey was his close association with legendary Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, an association described in his profile as beginning in 1988. The musical exposure and experiences arising from those years played a defining role in shaping his understanding of live performance, musical presentation and artistic excellence. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
For Girish, this association became more than an introduction to the world of music. It helped lay the foundation for a life devoted to creating platforms where legendary compositions, accomplished musicians and new artistic talent could connect with audiences through professionally curated live concerts.
The Birth of MASTER STROKE
Following his passion for music, Girish Setia founded MASTER STROKE Event & Talent Management in 2000.
The beginning was challenging. Organising large-scale concerts required considerable creative planning, financial commitment, coordination and persistence. Rather than allowing those difficulties to change his direction, Girish continued developing music-based concepts and gradually established MASTER STROKE as a name associated with thematic live entertainment.
A significant breakthrough came through highly successful R.D. Burman tribute concerts, which helped establish MASTER STROKE as a respected presence in musical entertainment. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
What began as a passionate effort to stage meaningful musical shows eventually developed into a sustained journey spanning more than two decades.
MASTER STROKE – Music Events & Talent Management
MASTER STROKE has built its identity around producing high-quality, concept-based concerts that revisit and celebrate different eras, composers, poets and musical traditions of India.
Instead of treating live music simply as entertainment, its productions are designed as curated experiences—combining singers, musicians, arrangers, concepts, repertoire and stage presentation into a unified artistic production.
Girish Setia strongly believes that although singers may often be the visible face of a concert, musicians and arrangers are equally important to the success of a musical performance. His professional material particularly highlights his long-standing association with acclaimed music arranger Avinash Chandrachud, whose contribution has played an important role in shaping the musical character of several MASTER STROKE productions. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Signature Musical Productions
Among the prominent productions presented under MASTER STROKE are:
- The Signature Collections of R.D. Burman
- The Signature Collections of Laxmikant–Pyarelal
- The Signature Collections of Kalyanji–Anandji
- The Signature Collection of Rajesh Roshan
- The Signature Collection of S.D. & R.D. Burman
- The Colours of Black & White Era – celebrating timeless music associated with Hindi cinema's classic period
- The Colours of Golden Era – featuring gems from Hindi cinema's Golden Era
- Ishq-E-Sufiyana – a sophisticated celebration of Sufi music
- Kaafila Yaadon Ka – an evening dedicated to Nazms and Ghazals
- Bollywood Retro Groove – a rhythm, brass and vocal concert
- Madan Mohan – The Musical Legend
- Madan Mohan – The Centenary Concert
- Bollywood Unplugged – a fusion-based concert experience
- Gulzar – Khaamosh Alfaaz – a poetic musical tribute inspired by the words and emotions associated with Gulzar
- The Journey of Bongo – described in MASTER STROKE's profile as a distinctive, first-of-its-kind concert presentation in India. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
These productions demonstrate the breadth of MASTER STROKE's repertoire—from retro Bollywood and legendary composers to Ghazals, Sufi music, poetry-driven presentations and innovative rhythm-oriented concerts.
The Signature Collections
Among Girish Setia's important creative concepts is “The Signature Collections.”
Conceived and created by Girish himself, the concept developed into a recurring concert platform celebrating the musical legacies of some of India's most admired composers. The MASTER STROKE portfolio includes Signature Collection presentations dedicated to R.D. Burman, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, Kalyanji–Anandji, Rajesh Roshan, and S.D. & R.D. Burman.
The R.D. Burman series in particular has continued through multiple seasons, reflecting Girish's longstanding admiration for Pancham Da's musical experimentation and enduring influence on generations of listeners.
The profile describes “The Signature Collections” as a recognized brand among music enthusiasts. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
A Commitment to R.D. Burman's Musical Legacy
R.D. Burman's music occupies a particularly important place in Girish Setia's artistic journey.
The early success of MASTER STROKE's R.D. Burman tribute concerts became a turning point for the organisation. Since then, Girish has continued returning to Pancham Da's music through successive editions of The Signature Collection of RD, believing that R.D. Burman was a visionary composer whose sound was significantly ahead of its time.
For Girish, these concerts are not merely nostalgic performances; they are an effort to introduce celebrated compositions to new generations while preserving their original emotional and musical character.
Concerts Across India
MASTER STROKE's professional profile states that the company has presented concerts across India and overseas for more than two decades. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Among the various cities in which Girish has worked, Indore and Bhopal hold a special place in his journey. His profile highlights his appreciation for audiences in Madhya Pradesh and their strong interest in music, art and cultural traditions.
This longstanding connection is also reflected in an earlier recognition displayed in the materials supplied: Madhya Pradesh Cultural Academy – Best Performance, Events, for the year 2016–17, presented in connection with MASTER STROKE / Girish Setia.
The Journey of Bongo – 2026
Another distinctive chapter in the MASTER STROKE journey is “The Journey of Bongo.”
The production is included in the company's official profile among its major musical presentations and is described there as a unique concert concept presented for the first time in India. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
A 2026 certificate supplied with the profile specifically recognizes Girish K. Setia (MASTER STROKE) in connection with Journey of Bongo – Concert 2026, held at Gadkari Rangayatan, Thane, Mumbai, on 11 September 2026.
According to that certificate, the production featured Shyam Edwankar and music conductor Avinash Chandrachud, bringing together rhythm, musicianship and live performance around the concept of the bongo.
The recognition was issued on 19 September 2026.
Awards, Honours & Professional Recognition
Girish Setia and MASTER STROKE have received multiple honours and certificates recognising their contribution to music, cultural programming and event management.
Madhya Pradesh Cultural Academy – Best Performance
2016–17
A recognition for Best Performance – Events connected with MASTER STROKE and Girish Setia, reflecting the organisation's earlier presence in Madhya Pradesh's cultural-event landscape.
Maharashtra Excellence Awards 2026
Most Creative Event Management Company of 2026
MASTER STROKE was honoured at the Maharashtra Excellence Awards 2026 as the:
“Most Creative Event Management Company of 2026.”
The certificate records the event date as 1 May 2026 at Radisson Blu, Kharadi, Pune and identifies Insights Success Media in connection with the presentation.
Vishwa Ratna Gaurav Samman 2026
Exclusive Global Excellence Honour
A certificate dated 30 May 2026 recognizes Mr. Girish Setia, Founder and Director of MASTER STROKE Events & Concerts, for his contribution to music, entertainment, talent promotion and cultural enrichment.
The citation highlights his more than two decades of work, his association with Jagjit Singh, his musical concepts and his efforts to preserve India's musical heritage.
Bharat Bhushan Samman 2026
A certificate issued on 8 June 2026 recognizes Girish K. Setia / MASTER STROKE for contribution to the promotion and preservation of Indian music and cultural heritage.
Its citation particularly acknowledges the organisation's more than two decades of musical activity, innovative concerts, tribute presentations and commitment to artistic and cultural enrichment.
Bharat Ratna Global Icon Award 2026
Girish K. Setia (MASTER STROKE) also received a certificate titled “Bharat Ratna Global Icon Award 2026” in connection with The Journey of Bongo – Concert 2026.
The certificate recognizes the presentation of the concert and its contribution to the cultural and artistic landscape of Mumbai.
For clarity, the certificate itself states that this award was independently instituted by the issuing organisation; it should not be confused with the Government of India's official Bharat Ratna civilian honour.
Professional Certification
In addition to his recognition for live music and entertainment, MASTER STROKE received a Skills Certify Certificate of Achievement for successfully completing the online assessment for:
Certified Event & Wedding Planner
The certificate is dated 20 September 2026 and recognizes demonstrated knowledge and practical understanding in event and wedding planning.
This certification complements the organisation's long-standing practical experience in concert production and event management.
Artistic Philosophy
A defining aspect of Girish Setia's approach is his belief that the strength of a concert comes from the combined work of everyone behind it.
The singer may receive the most immediate recognition from an audience, but Girish gives equal importance to the arrangers, instrumentalists, rhythm players, technicians and other professionals who collectively transform a musical idea into a live experience.
This philosophy is reflected in his long association with Avinash Chandrachud and in MASTER STROKE's emphasis on carefully arranged, concept-driven concert formats.
The company profile similarly describes him as a passionate custodian of India's musical heritage who continues to present concerts celebrating legendary composers and timeless melodies. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
A Life Dedicated to Live Music
For Girish Setia, organising concerts has never been merely a profession.
It represents the convergence of personal passion, cultural preservation and creative entrepreneurship. From his formative association with Jagjit Singh in 1988, to leaving the conventional path of a textile engineer, establishing MASTER STROKE in 2000, developing the Signature Collections and continuing to create new musical concepts more than two decades later, his career reflects sustained devotion to live music.
His journey demonstrates a particular kind of cultural entrepreneurship: building contemporary concert experiences around musical legacies that audiences continue to value across generations.
His own words best summarize that commitment:
“Organizing musical shows is my passion and my love. I will continue to do so till my last breath.” — Girish Setia Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Selected Concert Video Archive
MASTER STROKE's supplied profile also documents an extensive video archive of its performances, including:
MASTER STROKE Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/gksetia68 Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Bollywood Unplugged – A Fusion Concert
https://youtu.be/OhLdz2uajM8
The Signature Collection of RD – Season 9 (2025)
https://youtu.be/WNyHmNVIv7s
O.P. Nayyar – The Musical Genius
https://youtu.be/bVDVvNi9oCw Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Madan Mohan – The Centenary Concert (2024)
https://youtu.be/gOIb8Om3DNE
The Signature Collection of RD – Season 8 (2024)
https://youtu.be/5ctbt2ybDQE
The Signature Collection of Rajesh Roshan
https://youtu.be/ON-WPWh4wuM
The Signature Collection of SD & RD Burman (2023)
https://youtu.be/SUkg40ZBo20
Bollywood Retro Groove
https://youtu.be/407crQ4EoUU
The Signature Collection of RD – Season 7 (2022)
https://youtu.be/LvUMlMiv1qw
Madan Mohan – The Musical Legend (2022)
https://youtu.be/hWddUp4mTVo
Kaafila Yaadon Ka (2023)
https://youtu.be/F_Ch7t8UYYk
Ishq-E-Sufiyana – Showreel (2019)
https://youtu.be/jnqvfA8xLEA
The Signature Collection of RD – Season 6 (2019)
https://youtu.be/HgCDRBuVQWM Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
The Signature Collection of Kalyanji Anandji
https://youtu.be/hZ0Xwa933kA
The Colours of Black & White Era
https://youtu.be/NxTQW4xbZQo
Unplugged from MASTER STROKE
https://youtu.be/wTGNimi9Y8Y Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Official Social Media
Facebook – MASTER STROKE
https://www.facebook.com/Master-Stroke-Events-102620521091288/
Instagram – MASTER STROKE
https://instagram.com/master_stroke_events?igshid=1it5674nudp09 Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
Legacy & Vision
Today, Girish Setia and MASTER STROKE represent a journey built on persistence, musical appreciation and the idea that India's extraordinary musical history deserves to be experienced not only through recordings, but also through carefully produced live performances.
From Ghazal and Sufi music to the Golden Era of Hindi cinema, from R.D. Burman and Madan Mohan to Kalyanji–Anandji, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, Rajesh Roshan and Gulzar-inspired presentations, Girish has continually explored ways of bringing established musical legacies back to the concert stage.
His work through MASTER STROKE combines music-event production, talent management, cultural preservation, creative concert conceptualisation and audience engagement. More than two decades after establishing the organisation, his central purpose remains unchanged: to create memorable musical experiences while keeping the legacy of Indian music alive for present and future generations. Masterstroke Profile 2026_26091…
