Jashn-e-Rekhta
Dubai is poised to welcome the two-day Urdu literary festival, Jashn-e-Rekhta, featuring luminaries from Pakistan and India. The cultural extravaganza, scheduled for January 27 and 28, will showcase a rich tapestry of Urdu literature, including poetry, talk shows, ghazals, and storytelling.
The festival’s inaugural day at Zabeel Park on January 27 will commence with a panel discussion titled ‘Urdu Tehzeeb aur Rishton ki Lazzat Ki Lazzat’ featuring Bollywood lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar alongside Pakistani human rights activist Arfa Sayeda Zehra.
Moderated by Adeel Hashmi, the discussion will set the tone for the festival, followed by a stage rendition of Ismat Chughtai’s Urdu play, ‘Dozakh,’ and a Sufi concert titled ‘Naghmo’n ki Maseehaii’ by Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan. The day will culminate with the portrayal of legendary singer Noor Jehan in ‘Raqs-e-Naa Tammam’ and a session of Sufi music titled ‘Shab-e Rafta.’
The second and final day will feature a talk show with iconic Pakistani film industry couple Sameena Peerzada and Usmaan Peerzada, sharing their journey through challenges. Following this, an interactive session, ‘Kahaani se Kirdaar Tak,’ will bring together Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi in conversation with renowned Indian filmmaker and actor Shekhar Kapur.
The day will progress with the event ‘Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaau’n,’ incorporating poetry, songs, narration, and music featuring Javed Akhtar, Meiyang Chang, and Jahnvi Shrimankar with a live band. The festival will conclude with a grand international mushaira titled ‘Gehan aur Dhoop,’ featuring renowned poets Anwar Shaoor, Farhat Ehsad, Zehra Nigah, Shakeel Azmi, Abbas Tabish, among others.
Anticipating 15,000 visitors, the festival marks Dubai’s growing influence in hosting Urdu literary events, with tickets priced at Dh75, inclusive of the Zabeel Park entry fee, available for purchase on Platinum List.
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