BWW Previews: Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi To Be Part Of Jashn-e-Rekhta 2018

In the recent years, Urdu, the ancient language of poetry and verse has been seeing a steady uptick in its followers in India. Various events celebrating our rich heritage in the form of qawwali, ghazals, Sufi music are being organized and a steady stream of followers has taken an avid interest in it.

One of the most sought after events in this genre Jashn-e-Rekhta will be back for its 2018 season on December 14th to 16th in the capital. The three-day event will see the language of romance celebrates in the form of rich shayari, Sufi music, Qawwali and what not.

The interesting thing about such cultural celebrations is that they bring the contrasts so romantically. So, the inaugural day will see Morari Bapu -- an exponent of Ram Charit Manas and an Urdu poetry lover. The event will also see Qawwali by Wadalis -- Lakhwinder Wadali and Puran Singh Wadali.

The event will see participation from some of the most well-known authors, poets, literatis, artists, singers and influencers. Some of the famous personalities who will be part of the event include Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Jaaved Jaaferi, Nooran sisters, The Wadalis, Annu Kapoor, Malini Awasthi, Wasim Barelvi, Kumar Vishwas, Aasif Sheikh (Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain fame), Shruti Pathak (Bollywood singer), Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, Gopi Chand Narang, Mahmood Farooqui, Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan (Khalifa of Dilli Gharana), Gayathri Asokan (Ghazal) and Sonam Kalra.

As Urdu also becomes a pop culture statement there would also be on sale merchandise with Urdu calligraphy. And well, what's a good gathering without good grub. So, looks like that the organizers have that covered too as a food festival 'Aiwan-e-Zaiqa' will host a grand feast of cuisines for lovers of authentic Awadhi, Mughlai, Hyderabadi, Afghani, Bihari, Kashmiri and popular street food from Purani Dilli.

But what may really attract the audiences will be a discussion by Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi where both of them will talk about their fathers Jan Nisar Akhtar and Kaifi Azmi. Film maker Vishal Bhardwaj will read Urdu poetry penned by him and Annu Kapoor will host a remembrance of Majrooh Sulanpuri.

Entry to the festival is free upon registration at www.jashnerekhta.org

December 14th to 16th at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in India Gate, New Delhi

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