Celebrating an immortal voice

For over five decades the name Begum Akhtar was synonymous with ghazal gayaki throughout the world. A special concert by renowned classical singer-composer Vidya Shah marks the 35th death anniversary of Akhtar today.

For over five decades the name Begum Akhtar was synonymous with ghazal gayaki throughout the world. A special concert by renowned classical singer-composer Vidya Shah marks the 35th death anniversary of Akhtar today. Presented by the Attic and Center for Media and Alternative Communication, the concert Suna Karo Meri Jaan (Listen, My Beloved) is named after Kaifi Azmi’s ghazal Suna karo meri jaan...

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As a tribute, Shah will present a selection of Thumris, Dadras and Ghazals from Begum Akhtar’s era. Shah says she “feels privileged to be part of this concert”. She is currently learning classical music forms —Thumri, Dadra and Ghazal — from the senior most disciple of Begum Akhtar. Shah was initially trained in Carnatic music and later received guidance in Hindustani classical music from Shubha Mudgal. At present she is composing, writing and conducting workshops on music.

For her Begum Akhtar is an iconic figure. “The music of that era was very intense and exceptional at expressing the pain of love and separation. I will be presenting a range of her repertoire with songs like Deewana Banana Hai To and Dadra Kaaleyka Jaibe,” she says.

The concert is a part of Women on Record — an ongoing project that pays tribute to women who sang in the Gramophone Record era.

At: The Attic 36, Regal Building at 6.30 pm.