Lucknow: Lucknow witnessed an evening of music, art and cultural expression as Folktales Music Studio was formally launched during ‘Music in Soul’, a special musical programme held at Hotel Taj, Lucknow, on September 12, 2026. Bringing together established personalities, music enthusiasts and performers from different backgrounds, the event celebrated the creative journey of Folktales while marking the beginning of a new platform dedicated to nurturing emerging musical talent.
The evening featured a wide range of musical performances that explored devotion, spirituality, patriotism, romance and the enduring appeal of popular Hindi film music. The diverse presentations kept the audience engaged and highlighted the emotional and cultural richness of Indian music.
The launch of Folktales Music Studio represents a new chapter in the organisation’s 10-year creative journey. The initiative is envisioned as a platform where aspiring musicians can receive opportunities to perform, develop their artistic abilities and learn from experienced performers. Through training, mentorship and live performance opportunities, the studio aims to support emerging talent and help young artists reach wider audiences.
The programme also marked the release of a book celebrating Folktales’ decade-long creative journey. The publication reflects the organisation’s engagement with art, culture, ideas and knowledge. On the occasion, the Folktales Spiritual Gifting Portal was also introduced, with the objective of taking ideas and products associated with Indian spiritual traditions and positive life values to a wider audience.
The event was attended by several distinguished personalities from the fields of art, culture, public life and other professions. Among those present were Padma Shri awardees Vidya Bindu and Anil Rastogi, HG Aparimay Shyam Das, Pawan Singh Chauhan, Aparna Bisht Yadav, Danish Azad Ansari, Dr Hari Om, Sanyukta Bhatia, Avnish Kumar Singh, Dr Sanjeev Awasthi, Sudhir Halwasiya, Nishith Chandra, Manjula Goswami, Qazi Meraj Ahmed and Anil Kumar, among others.
The evening began with high tea and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Guests were subsequently introduced to the vision and objectives of Folktales Music Studio, including its proposed focus on artistic development, musical training and opportunities for new performers.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the performance by Folktales Director and singer Manuj Sharma and his son, child singer Adhyatam Sharma. Accompanied by around 20 musicians, the father-son duo presented songs representing different moods and musical traditions. Their performance brought together the experience of an established performer and the freshness of a young voice, creating a special moment for the audience.
Speaking during the programme, Manuj Sharma reflected on his creative journey and his experiences as the director of Folktales. He recalled the organisation’s 10-year association with art, culture, creativity and talent, noting that the launch of a dedicated music platform was a natural progression of that journey. Providing opportunities to emerging artists, he indicated, would be an important part of taking this vision forward.
Adhyatam Sharma, who is approximately 10 years old, made a notable impression with his singing. Despite his young age, he has already lent his voice to projects associated with T-Series and Doordarshan. Sharing the stage with his father and other musicians, he received appreciation from the audience for his performance. The father-son presentation served as an example of how experience and young talent can come together to create an engaging musical experience.
The musical repertoire of ‘Music in Soul’ reflected the variety of Indian music. Performances included the devotional composition ‘Braj Ras’, along with popular songs such as ‘Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya’, ‘Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan’, ‘Sandese Aate Hain’, ‘Mere Dholna Sun’, ‘Chitthi Aai Hai’, ‘Chaap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re’, ‘Ud Ja Kaale Kaava’ and ‘Tu Hai To Dil Dhadakta Hai’.
The selection moved across devotional and Sufi music, patriotic compositions, romantic numbers and memorable songs from Hindi cinema. This variety allowed the audience to experience different musical styles and emotions over the course of the evening, reinforcing the programme’s central celebration of music in its many forms.
The programme was presented and conducted by Folktales Director Raj Smriti, who guided the evening through its performances, introductions and guest interactions. His presentation helped connect the different segments of the event and maintained a lively flow throughout the programme.
The emphasis on training and mentorship is expected to remain central to the functioning of Folktales Music Studio. Building on Folktales’ experience in creative and cultural initiatives, the studio seeks to go beyond providing a stage to aspiring artists. Its proposed activities include helping performers improve their skills, learn from experienced musicians, gain confidence through presentations and connect with a broader audience.
The initiative had earlier been announced following a courtesy meeting with Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh. During the interaction, the minister appreciated the effort to create new opportunities for creative talent and strengthen the cultural economy, while extending his best wishes to the Folktales team.
The programme also included a felicitation ceremony and a photography session, with artists and distinguished guests participating. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of those associated with the event and celebrate the role of music and culture in bringing people together.
‘Music in Soul’ thus served as both a celebration of Folktales’ 10-year creative journey and the formal beginning of its next phase through Folktales Music Studio. By combining live performances, recognition of artistic talent and the announcement of future training and mentorship opportunities, the event placed emerging musicians at the centre of the organisation’s new initiative.
With the launch, Folktales has set out to create a platform that encourages artistic expression, supports new performers and brings the diversity of Indian music to wider audiences. The studio’s journey will be watched with interest as it seeks to build on the organisation’s creative legacy and contribute to the development of the next generation of musical talent in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
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