Urdu Literary Fest in Dubai: Meet Mahira Khan and Javed Akhtar!

Jashn-e-Rekhta, a renowned Urdu literary festival that has enchanted audiences in India for eight years and recently made its international debut in London, is set to captivate Dubai on January 27th and 28th, 2024.

This celebration of the quintessential spirit of the Urdu language promises two days of cultural extravaganza, featuring luminaries from the Urdu literary world with a blend of poetry, talk shows, ghazals, and storytelling.

The festival, commencing at Zabeel Park on January 27th, kicks off with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled 'Urdu Tehzeeb aur Rishton ki Lazzat Ki Lazzat' (The Delight of Urdu Culture and Relationships). Bollywood lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, along with Pakistani human rights activist Arfa Sayeda Zehra, will engage in conversation.

The event continues with a stage rendition of Ismat Chughtai’s Urdu play 'Dozakh' (Hell) and a soul-stirring Sufi concert, 'Naghmo'n ki Maseehaii' by Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan. The highlight of the evening is 'Raqs-e-Naa Tammam,' portraying the life of the legendary singer Noor Jehan.

'Shab-e Rafta,' an enchanting session of Sufi music, is a must-not-miss event of the evening, scheduled from 9 pm to 11 pm.

 

 

 

 

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The second day features a compelling talk show with Pakistan's film industry icons Sameena Peerzada and Usmaan Peerzada, followed by an interactive session featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi in conversation with renowned Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

The literary fest concludes with 'Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaau’n,' a project entwining poetry, songs, narration, and music, featuring Javed Akhtar, Meiyang Chang, and Jahnvi Shrimankar with a live band.

The grand international mushaira titled 'Gehan aur Dhoop' showcases acclaimed poets like Anwar Shaoor, Farhat Ehsad, Zehra Nigah, Shakeel Azmi, and Abbas Tabish, among others.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nayhan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence, Jashn-e-Rekhta guarantees a rich cultural fusion, weaving the essence of the Urdu language, its literature, and culture into the cosmopolitan fabric of the UAE for the first time.

Organizers anticipate a turnout of 15,000, including visitors from India and Pakistan. The festival also offers diverse culinary delights at Aiwan-e-Zaiqa Food Bazaar and an Urdu Bazaar with stalls featuring art, handicrafts, merchandise, books, and more. Tickets, including the Zabeel Park entry fee, are priced at Dh75 and can be purchased on the Platinum list.