Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi organised its annual musical programme ‘Yaadein’ on October 30 to commemorate the legacy of legendary ghazal singer and Padma Bhushan awardee Begum Akhtar. The event, held at the Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium of the Akademi, featured performances by established artistes and emerging singers.
The programme was organised in keeping with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of promoting and preserving art and culture, under the inspiration and guidance of Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh. Akademi chairman Prof. Jayant Khot, vice-chairperson Vibha Singh and director Raj Kumar conceptualised and coordinated the event.
Senior Lucknow-based ghazal singer Yugantar Sindoor attended as the chief guest, while noted Kathak dancer Dr Purnima Pandey was present as the guest of honour. The programme was conducted by Samreen.
The inaugural session began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by floral tributes to Begum Akhtar. Addressing the gathering, Vibha Singh recalled the distinctive emotional depth and composure in Begum Akhtar’s voice. She said the annual programme provided a platform to both internationally acclaimed artistes and emerging talents.
Renowned vocalist Ustad Gulshan Bharti captivated the audience with Begum Akhtar’s celebrated dadra Kahoon Kaise Sharam Ki Hai Baat. He followed it with the thumri Naina Ro Ro Haare and concluded his performance with one of his popular ghazals. He was accompanied by Ustad Ilmaaz Hussain on tabla, Zeeshan Abbas on sarangi, Rajat Mishra on swaramandal and Suhail Ahmad Khan on tanpura.
Ankush Nirmal, a winner of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi’s music competition, opened his performance with Bashir Badr’s popular ghazal Sar Jhukaaoge Toh Patthar Bhi Khuda Ho Jayega. He also presented poet Ameer Hanfi’s composition Main Hawa Hoon, Kahan Watan Mera, displaying his command over ghazal singing. A native of Rae Bareli, Nirmal is currently pursuing graduation at Bhatkhande Sanskriti University and trains under his guru Ankit Singh. Ilyas accompanied him on harmonium, while Kamal Gupta played the tabla.
Singer Swati Rizvi paid tribute to Begum Akhtar through several celebrated Urdu compositions. Her repertoire included Mir Taqi Mir’s Ulti Ho Gayin Sab Tadbeerein, Mirza Ghalib’s Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat, Momin Khan Momin’s Wo Jo Hum Mein Tum Mein Qarar Tha and Jigar Moradabadi’s Koi Ye Keh De Gulshan-Gulshan. Her performances received warm applause from the audience.
Kultar Singh, a disciple of senior musicians Ravi Nagar, Gulshan Bharti and Yugantar Sindoor, continued the evening with popular ghazals by Parveen Shakir, Jigar Moradabadi and Shakeel Badayuni. His selections included Chehra Mera Tha Nigaahein Uski, Baddua Logon Ki Ban Ban Ke Dua Lagti Hai and Ae Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya.
He was accompanied by Sachin Chauhan on keyboard, Rajiv Thapa on tabla and Yash Gupta on guitar.
The annual ‘Yaadein’ programme once again brought together different generations of musicians, keeping Begum Akhtar’s musical legacy alive through ghazals, thumris and other forms of classical and semi-classical music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
