Lucknow: The spirit of Lucknow’s celebrated culture came alive on Saturday evening as Lucknow Bioscope, Sanatkada Heritage, and Naimatkhana jointly hosted “Lutf-e-Lucknow: Khana aur Gaana” at 130 J.C. Bose Road, Qaiser Bagh. The event brought together two of the city’s most cherished traditions—music and food—offering visitors an immersive experience of Awadh’s artistic and culinary heritage.
The highlight of the evening was “Akhtari se Begum Akhtar,” a captivating storytelling and musical presentation by acclaimed artist Askari Naqvi, accompanied by renowned sarangi maestro Zeeshan Abbas. Inspired by the writings of noted authors Saleem Kidwai and S.M. Mehdi, the performance traced the remarkable journey of legendary ghazal queen Begum Akhtar, celebrating her life, artistry, and enduring influence on Indian music.
Through a seamless blend of storytelling, anecdotes, and live renditions, Askari Naqvi transported the audience into the world of Begum Akhtar. Recalling a conversation with the late writer S.M. Mehdi, he shared a memorable remark: “Begum Akhtar was the only woman I truly admired.” The anecdote offered a glimpse into the immense respect and affection the legendary singer inspired among her contemporaries.
The performance featured soulful renditions of some of Begum Akhtar’s most beloved compositions, including “Ye Jo Hum Mein Tum Mein Karar Tha” and “Mere Humnafas,” interwoven with stories from her personal and professional life. The audience was treated to a rich narrative that highlighted not only her musical brilliance but also her resilience, grace, and lasting contribution to the world of ghazals and classical music.
A versatile artist from Lucknow, Askari Naqvi is widely recognized as an actor, storyteller, vocalist, Dastango, Soz-Khwan, and entrepreneur. Trained under renowned musicians Pandit Amit Mukerjee and Pandit Gangadhar Rao Telang of the Gwalior Gharana, he has performed at prestigious venues across India and abroad, including the India International Centre in New Delhi and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. His performances have also reached audiences across Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
Accompanying him was Zeeshan Abbas, an accomplished sarangi player who represents the 17th generation of the historic Sonipat-Panipat Gharana. Coming from a musical lineage spanning nearly four centuries, Abbas has collaborated with eminent artists such as ghazal maestros Ustad Ahmad Hussain and Mohammad Hussain, as well as celebrated Kathak exponent Pandit Rajendra Gangani. His evocative sarangi accompaniment added depth and emotion to the evening’s musical presentation.
Complementing the musical tribute was the Awadh Home Cooked Festival, curated by Sheeba Iqbal, which showcased forgotten family recipes and traditional dishes prepared by home chefs from Lucknow. The festival sought to revive culinary traditions that have gradually faded from contemporary kitchens due to the time and effort required in their preparation.
Speaking about the initiative, Sheeba Iqbal emphasized the importance of preserving these recipes for future generations. She noted that many traditional dishes are disappearing from everyday life despite being an integral part of Lucknow’s culinary identity. The festival, she said, provided a platform for talented home chefs to bring these treasured recipes back into public memory.
Among the standout offerings was Kundan Kaliya, prepared by Tahira Rizvi, a richly spiced Awadhi delicacy whose name refers to its distinctive golden hue. According to Sheeba Iqbal, the dish derives its colour from the carefully balanced blend of spices used in its preparation. Another traditional favourite, Achraj (Qeema Kairi) by Kahkashan Lateef, drew attention for its unique combination of minced meat and raw mango.
Vegetarian cuisine was equally celebrated, with dishes such as Dhungare Baigan, prepared by Sheeba Iqbal, and Bharwan Aloo by Sheeba Ansari, reflecting the diversity and sophistication of Awadhi home cooking.
Visitors also sampled Kofti Pulao, created by Chef Rakshan, which offered a distinctive twist on a classic preparation. Instead of whole pieces of meat, the dish featured delicately spiced meatballs, or kofte, incorporated into fragrant rice, creating a flavourful and elegant variation of the traditional pulao.
By combining music, storytelling, and culinary heritage under one roof, Lutf-e-Lucknow: Khana aur Gaana celebrated the city’s rich cultural legacy in a deeply engaging way. The event not only paid tribute to iconic figures such as Begum Akhtar but also highlighted the importance of preserving Lucknow’s traditional recipes, ensuring that the city’s unique cultural identity continues to thrive for generations to come.
