Pune, 28 June 2025: Iqbal Darbar, the celebrated saxophone player and head of Pune’s famous “Darbar Band,” passed away at the age of 77. Known for his deep admiration for singer Mohammed Rafi and his unmatched contribution to orchestral music in Maharashtra, Darbar leaves behind three sons, a daughter, and grandchildren.
Iqbal Darbar was not only a respected figure in Pune and Mumbai but also had admirers across Bollywood. He was among the pioneers who introduced and nurtured the concept of orchestras in the state. His performances captivated not just common audiences but also many well-known artists from the film industry.
His influence extended far beyond the world of music. A firm believer in social harmony and brotherhood, Darbar was known for his active role in community service. Every year, the Ganesh immersion procession in Pune would begin with an aarti performed by his Darbar Band, an iconic tradition that reflected his bond with the people and the city.
He also took his music to the borders, performing for Indian soldiers to boost their morale. Not only that, but he donated the proceeds from those events to the Army Welfare Fund. Darbar also contributed to the ‘Punyajagar’ initiative by the Bhoi Foundation and actively supported underprivileged artists through his ‘Mohammed Rafi Art Foundation,’ offering medical and financial aid.
Iqbal Darbar worked tirelessly to help band members break free from addiction, making his work a rare blend of art, social responsibility, and patriotism. His passing marks the end of an era, and he will be remembered as a musician, a humanitarian, and a true patriot.
