Lucknow: The Awadh Mela witnessed a vibrant blend of music, honour, and celebration as renowned artists enthralled thousands of soldiers and their families at the Cantonment sports ground. The highlight of the evening was the conferment of the prestigious Naushad Samman on Padma Shri awardee Anup Jalota and Surabhi Ranjan, in the presence of senior military officials.
The event, organized by Hunar Creation and Craft Association with support from Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, also honoured artists including Sameer-Deepali, Samarjeet Randhawa, Shirsha Rakshit, and Biswarup Banerjee. Local talents Deepanshi Yadav and drummer Tanmay Mukherjee added further energy to the evening.
Distinguished guests Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta (GOC) and Major General Manish Kukreti felicitated the performers.
Opening the musical night, Anup Jalota expressed gratitude to the armed forces and mesmerized the audience with soulful renditions such as “Aisi Laagi Lagan”, “Achyutam Keshavam”, and “Main Shayar To Nahin”, concluding with “Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan.”
The Bollywood duo Sameer-Deepali, fresh from an international performance tour, ignited the stage with hits like “Jaane Jaan Dhoondta Phir Raha,” “Jeevan Ke Har Mod Pe,” and a lively medley including “Dum Maro Dum” and “Laila O Laila.”
Singer Deepanshi Yadav paid tribute to Amitabh Bachchan fans with “Inteha Ho Gayi Intezaar Ki” and kept the audience engaged with energetic numbers.
The grand event was seamlessly conducted by conveners Zafar Nabi and Vivek Shukla. Adding to the festive spirit, the venue also featured amusement rides for children and a variety of food stalls, making the Awadh Mela a complete family celebration filled with music, reverence, and joy.
