Lucknow: The Metaphor Lucknow LitFest 2024 promises a vibrant amalgamation of literature, music, cinema, and performance art, scheduled for December 14-15, 2024, at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) premises in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. This 12th edition of the festival is a tribute to the late Prof. Raj Bisaria, a patron-mentor of the event, and features an impressive lineup of celebrated artists, authors, and performers.
The Metaphor Lucknow LitFest 2024 is set to enthrall the city with a two-day extravaganza at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) premises in Gomti Nagar on December 14-15. The 12th edition of the festival promises an eclectic mix of literary discussions, musical performances, cinematic explorations, and cultural showcases, making it a marquee event for art and literature enthusiasts.
Star-Studded Line-Up
This year’s LitFest brings together an impressive roster of luminaries. World-renowned flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia will inaugurate the festival and participate in a session titled Breath of Gold with author Sathya Saran. Renowned filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Sudhir Mishra, and Prakash Jha will explore cinema’s evolving narrative, with sessions such as India Through Cinema and Political Films: Their Evolution in Indian Cinema.
Adding to the star power are actors Faizal Malik, Atul Tiwari, Sadiya Siddiqui, and Sandhya Mridul. Literary stalwarts include four Sahitya Akademi Award winners—Anis Ashfaq, Nasera Sharma, Jerry Pinto, and Neelum Saran Gour—along with celebrated authors such as Koral Dasgupta, Anand Neelakantan, Vidya Bindu Singh, Yatindra Mishra, and Divya Prakash Dubey.
A Tribute to Prof. Raj Bisaria
This edition is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Raj Bisaria, the festival’s late patron-mentor and a pioneering figure in Indian theatre. The opening ceremony will feature a special tribute to his legacy, celebrating his contributions to the arts.
Sessions and Highlights
The festival is designed to cater to diverse interests, offering a variety of sessions across multiple venues:
- Literary Conversations:
- Awadhi: A Language of Elegance: Featuring Suryaprasad Dixit and Sona Bajpai.
- Mythology: Its Contemporary Relevance: A discussion with Koral Dasgupta and Anand Neelakantan.
- The Heritage of Lucknow: Lav Bhargava and Najib Jung explore the city’s rich cultural history.
- Cinema and Theatre:
- Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi: A session with Sudhir Mishra and Atul Tiwari.
- Parallel Cinema’s Pillars: Featuring OP Srivastava and Jaya Srivastava.
- Culinary Arts:
- Awadhi Zayke: A Literary Feast: A discussion with MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria and Manzilat Fatima, a descendant of Wajid Ali Shah.
- Musical and Cultural Performances:
- Qawwali by Raja Sarfaraz Darbari from Rampur.
- A Kathak ballet titled Mausam Ke Rang, Kathak Ke Sang, choreographed by Shivani Varma, a disciple of the late Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Open Mic and Book Launches
The festival continues its tradition of nurturing emerging talent with an Open Mic session in collaboration with The Poets House. Newcomers will have a platform to present their works to a live audience. Additionally, multiple book launches are planned, including Rang-e-Dil by Imtiaz Ali and Banku by Amit Tiwari.
Spiritual and Historical Dialogues
With the Mahakumbh approaching in January 2025, the LitFest will feature a special session on its spiritual significance, featuring Mukesh Meshram, Prof. Bharat Bhushan, Acharya Deendayal Tripathi, and Vineeta Mishra. PC Sarkar and Satish Sharda will delve into Lucknow’s colonial history in Burra Sahib and Chhota Hazry.
Diverse Offerings on Day 2
Day 2 of the festival promises more engaging sessions, such as:
- Humour in Literature and Life with Namita Pant and Vikram Seth.
- The Unplanned Journey by debut author Namal Pant.
- A Little Bit of Nonsense Now and Then, exploring the lighter side of storytelling.
Conclusion and Legacy
The two-day festival will conclude with a grand finale featuring a Qawwali performance followed by Shivani Varma’s Kathak ballet. “We’ve designed a bouquet of guests and sessions, ensuring there’s something for everyone,” said festival founder Kanak Rekha Chauhan. “Our Open Mic continues to be a hit, giving newcomers a chance to shine.”
The Metaphor Lucknow LitFest 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and storytelling, firmly establishing Lucknow as a hub for intellectual and cultural discourse.
Highlights of the Event:
- Star Power:
- Legendary flautist Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia will inaugurate the festival with a session titled Breath of Gold in collaboration with author Sathya Saran.
- Filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Sudhir Mishra, and Prakash Jha will delve into topics ranging from Indian cinema’s evolution to the nuances of political films.
- Actors Faizal Malik, Atul Tiwari, Sadiya Siddiqui, and Sandhya Mridul will grace panel discussions and performances.
- Literary Luminaries:
- Sahitya Akademi Award winners Anis Ashfaq, Nasiar Sharma, Jerry Pinto, and Neelan Saran Gour are among the notable participants.
- Acclaimed authors such as Koral Dasgupta, Anand Neelakantan, Vidya Bindu Singh, and others will lead engaging sessions on diverse themes.
- Performances and Cultural Celebrations:
- Qawwali performances by Raja Sarfaraz Darbari Qawwal and troupe will light up the evening.
- The festival will conclude with Mausam Ke Rang, Kathak Ke Sang, a ballet by Shivani Varma, a disciple of the late Pt. Birju Maharaj.
- Special Segments:
- Sessions featuring MasterChef winner Pankaj Bhadouria, Manzilat Fatima (descendant of Wajid Ali Shah), and scientist-turned-author PC Sarkar.
- A unique exploration of the Mahakumbh by experts like Mukesh Meshram and Prof. Bharat Bhushan.
- Open Mic sessions in collaboration with The Poets House, providing a platform for budding talents.
The festival’s diverse programming ensures there’s something for everyone—from book enthusiasts and cinephiles to art lovers and cultural aficionados. The two-day extravaganza celebrates the confluence of creativity and heritage, reinforcing Lucknow’s position as a hub of cultural and literary excellence.
