Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Cooch Behar is mourning loss of celebrity artisan Altaf Hussain

Cooch Behar, WEST BENGAL :

Altaf Hussain, Artisan and chief decorator of Ram Leela Utsav

The death of Altaf Hussain, one of the well-known artisans whose family had been involved in decorating the venue of Raas Mela Utsav, a famous cultural event of the city of Cooch Behar of West Bengal is being widely mourned across the state.

Altaf Mian, 70, passed away on Saturday. He was buried in Cooch Bihar, located about 7.5 hours drive from Kolkata.

His family, popularly known as ‘Altaf Mian’, had been organizing the famous ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ of Cooch Behar for a long time.

For forty years, Altaf Hussain was involved in decorating the venue of the Raas Leela Utsav – a play based on the life of Lord Krishna, particularly romantic and naughty interactions with Gopis the local young women, at the Madan Mohan temple every year in November.

Altaf Hussain was famous for designing the archway of the Raas Mela festival.

Even Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep grief over his death.

Altaf Hussain had not been well for two years. For this reason, his son Aminur Hussain take charge of decorating the ‘Ras Leela Utsav’

Work

Altaf Hussain was being treated at MGN Medical College Hospital in Cooch Behar.

As soon as the news of his death came in, a big crowd of his admirers gathered at his house in the Harin Chaura area. Hindus and Muslims, children, old and young alike came to pay their respects. Women were seen weeping.

A pall of gloom fell on the city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, joined his admirers in expressing grief and offering condolences to his family.

She also directed the Cooch Behar district administration to bury Altaf Hussain with state dignity.

What is Raas Mela festival?

‘Raas Mela festival’ is an artistic presentation of Lord Krishna’s dance with his consort Radha and gopis of Braj. This dance festival of Radha-Krishna is also mentioned in Bhagwat Purana and Geet Govinda.

The ‘Raas festival’ of Cooch Behar district is quite famous. It lasts a fortnight This ‘Raas Mela Utsav’, which lasts for fifteen to twenty days, starts on 15 November and continues till the first week of December. This ‘Raas Utsav’ is also called ‘Winter Carnival’ in Cooch Behar.

This ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ has been going on in Cooch Behar district for two hundred years. It is said that this happened for the first time during the time of the 17th king of Cooch Behar Harendra Narayan. His descendants celebrated it with pomp and show.

During the time of Raja Madan Mohan, the format of this festival changed. It was during this time that Altaf Hussain’s ancestors were given the responsibility of decorating this festival. For the first time, big arches were erected and this tradition continues.

The attraction of this ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ spread far and wide and people were drawn to see this festival.

So far the Raas Mela Utsav of Cooch Behar was only disrupted twice – in 1912 when cholera disease spread and the second time in 2020 during the Corona pandemic.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Jaynarayan Prasad, Kolkata / March 04th, 2025

‘Sahebaan’ UAE to hold ‘Family get-together’ in Dubai on February 15; achievers to be honored

Dakshina Kannada & Udupi, KARNATAKA / U.A.E :

Dubai: 

A ‘family get-together’ will be organized at Al Qusais Amity School in Dubai on Saturday, February 15, under the auspices of the UAE ‘Sahebaan’ community.

‘Sahebaan’ is an Urdu-speaking Muslim community from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

This ‘Family Get-Together’ will be held from 4 PM to 11 PM, and several programs will take place during this time, said program organizer and patron H.M. Afroz Assadi.

He stated that a felicitation program will be held to recognize children studying in the UAE who have scored more than 90% marks, as well as those who have achieved success in sports.

The chief guests of the event will be ‘Sahebaan’ community leaders, businessman and Hidayat Group President Hidayatullah Abbas, non-resident businessman, Philanthropist and owner of Nash Engineering Company in Dubai K.S. Nisar Ahmed, along with several other dignitaries.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 12th, 2025

AMU: University Fine Arts Club Hosts ‘Art Utopia 2025’ to Celebrate Creativity

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Mr. Tanmaya Tyagi being honoured by Prof. Mohammed Naved Khan and Prof Badar jahan during the Art Utopia 2025

“Art is not just about skill but also about passion, perseverance, and discipline.”

Aligarh:

The University Fine Arts Club of the Cultural Education Centre, AMU, organised Art Utopia 2025, bringing together students for a celebration of creativity, learning, and artistic expression.

The event opened with Safar-e-Rooh, an impactful live performance by Mr. Haris Raza Ashraf, portraying the global scenario and its impact on individuals, captivating the audience.

The event featured two skill-building workshops – one on Resin Art by Dr. Atiya Parveen and another on the Art of Caricature by Mr. Tanmaya Tyagi. These sessions enriched participants with artistic techniques and perspectives.

Adding to the creative atmosphere, three unique art installations were displayed. A group of students presented Chai, symbolising its significance in campus life. Mr. Salik Tariq, the club’s secretary, crafted a striking 3D image of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, while another group depicted the societal limitations faced by girls in pursuing their dreams through an artistic portrayal using natural elements.

The second day featured competitions in Canvas Painting, Face Painting, and Painting on Decorative Items, drawing enthusiastic student participation. A panel of faculty members judged the competitions, recognising exceptional talent.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring the resource persons and awarding winners. First prizes were secured by Mr. Aaryan Pratap Singh (Canvas Painting), Ms. Falak Javed (Face Painting), and Ms. Uzma Ansari (Painting on Decorative Items).

During the closing ceremony, Prof. Mohammed Naved Khan, Coordinator CEC, emphasised that “Art is not just about skill but also about passion, perseverance, and discipline.” Prof. Badar Jahan, President of the Fine Arts Club, praised participants for their creativity and urged them to stay focused on their artistic journey.

Art Utopia 2025 successfully promotes a culture of artistic excellence and innovation on campus.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / March 03rd, 2025

Dr. Haneef Shabab Honored with Karnataka Urdu Academy Award 2024

Bhatkal, KARNATAKA :

Photo Credit: Varta Bharati

Bengaluru :

Renowned Urdu scholar, poet, and educator Dr. Haneef Shabab from Bhatkal has been selected for the prestigious Karnataka Urdu Academy Award 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Urdu literature. The award will be presented to him on February 27 at a special ceremony in Bengaluru.

Dr. Shabab, a veteran in the field of Urdu literature, has dedicated his life to teaching, research, and literary enrichment. As a poet, mentor, and academic, he has made significant efforts to preserve and promote Urdu through scholarly writings and literary works. His research and critical analyses have played a vital role in nurturing a new generation of Urdu scholars. With over 25 years of experience as an Urdu teacher at Shams English Medium School in Bhatkal, he has influenced countless students.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shabab has actively participated in seminars, workshops, and literary festivals, fostering a deeper appreciation for Urdu poetry and prose. His writings are not just academic but also deeply reflective of cultural values, emotions, and social issues.

One of his most celebrated works is the poem “Aur Line Cut Gayi,” which poignantly addresses the issue of female foeticide. Written as an emotional dialogue between a deceased child and her mother, the poem has received international acclaim for its profound social message.

Apart from poetry, Dr. Shabab has significantly contributed to Urdu journalism, writing insightful articles and critiques on various cultural and societal matters. He has also authored two books: “Sulagte Khwaab” (1997) and “Lahu Lahu Mausam” (2009), both collections of his poetry.

The recognition by the Karnataka Urdu Academy is a testament to Dr. Shabab’s lifelong dedication to Urdu literature and his impact on the literary world.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Award / by Radiance News Bureau / February 26th, 2025

It’s an honour for Kannada, says writer Banu Mushtaq

Hassan, KARNATAKA :

Heart Lamp is one among the 13 books chosen by the 2025 International Booker Prize judging panel, headed by Max Porter.

Banu Mushtaq. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu

“It is an honour for Kannada that a work written in our language is getting this recognition,” said Hassan-based Kannada writer, advocate and activist Banu Mushtaq, whose collection of stories Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, has found a place in the long list for the International Booker Prize 2025.

Heart Lamp is one among the 13 books chosen by the 2025 judging panel, headed by Max Porter. The judges made their selection from 154 books submitted by publishers. The shortlist of books will be announced on April 8 and the winner will be announced on May 20.

Heart Lamp, is a collection of 11 short stories written by Banu Mushtaq between 1990 and 2023. “So far I have brought out six collections of short stories in Kannada. Among them, 11 were chosen for the collection Heart Lamp,” said Ms. Mushtaq.

What judges said

The judge panel, in its comment on the collection, stated, “Written in a style at once witty, vivid, colloquial, moving and excoriating, it’s in her characters – the sparky children, the audacious grandmothers, the buffoonish maulvis and thug brothers, the off-hapless husbands, and the mothers above all, surviving their feelings at great cost – that Musthaq emerges as an astonishing writer and observer of human nature, building disconcerting emotional heights out of a rich spoken style.”

Earlier, an English translation of a collection of her short stories Haseena and Other Stories won English PEN translation award for the year 2024. That was also translated by Deepa Bhasthi.

Early years

Ms. Mushtaq began writing in the progressive literary movement in Karnataka in the 1970s and 1980s, which gave voice to several people from dalit and minority communities, including strong women’s voices in Ms. Mushtaq.

Some of her early writings were published in Lankesh Patrike, for whom she also worked as a correspondent for some years. The writer remains a committed voice in the progressive circles, and remained critical of forces that divide people among lines of caste, class, gender and religion.

Among her important works are Hejje Moodida Haadi, Benki-Male, Edeya Hanate, Badavara Magalu Hennalla (short stories), Kubra (novel) Odde Kannina Baagina (poetry), Ibbaniya Kaavu (essays) and Kautumbika Daurjanya Kayide (on Domestic Violence Act). Haseena has also been made into a film, directed by Girish Kasaravalli.

The late Kannada writer and Jnanpith awardee U.R. Ananthamurthy was also nominated for Man Booker International Prize in 2013, but did not win it.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books> Author / by The Hindu Bureau / February 26th, 2025

Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’: A 98-Year-Old Poet Who Met Gandhi, Donated Land and Advocates for Unity

Marui Village (Nawada District), BIHAR / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

A young Jamal who met Gandhi in 1947 later shaped Kolkata’s hospitality scene and contributed to renowned chains like Arsalan and Mezban.

A scholar of Sanskrit, he is a well-known figure in the city’s literary circles. However, despite his generous donation of 15 katthas of land for a government hospital, the Bihar government has yet to honor the donors, leaving his legacy unacknowledged.

  Primary Health Centre in Marui, Nawada and Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’

Kolkata:

In the heart of Kolkata’s vibrant Prafulla Sarkar Street, Jamal Ahmed, the 98-year-old hotelier and poet, sits in the backroom of Aliah Hotel, his voice resonating with the same intensity as the lively street outside.

Jamal Ahmed, a nonagenarian, is known in the city as a poet and a concerned citizen. But the 98-year-old is also a philanthropist. He has donated 15 Katthas of land in his native village in Bihar for a government hospital, which last year became operational.

A Philanthropic Legacy: Land Donation for a Government Hospital in Bihar

“The land (in Marui village, Nawada district) was the costliest in the adjoining areas. But my father, who decided to donate it to the government to build a hospital there, did not hesitate,” informed Firdaus Jamal, son of Jamal Ahmed.

The market rate for land in Marui village is at least Rs 20 lakhs per kattha. In Bihar’s Nawada district, one kattha of land is equivalent to 3 decimals.

“I had told my mother that one day there will be a hospital in your name. So I had to do it,” Jamal Ahmed told eNewsroom. The family proposed the name of the hospital as QZJ Government Hospital, incorporating the names of Jamal and his parents. There is a board at the hospital where Jamal Ahmed Jamal’s name as the donor is mentioned. However, the Bihar government has yet to adopt the name suggested by the donors’ family.

The 20-bed primary hospital is now operational.

Poet Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’ | eNewsroom

When donating, I did not make any demands, such as asking for government jobs for my family members or insisting that a doctor from my family should practice here,” he said.

“I demand that either the Bihar Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) or the Health Minister inaugurate the hospital,” the donor added.

Jamal Ahmed, a multifaceted personality, knows five languages and completed his Master’s in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and his Bachelor’s in Science (BSc) from Patna University. He frequently uses Sanskrit shlokas in his poetry. Much of his poetry focuses on communal harmony in the country.

A major event in his life was meeting the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on August 13, 1947 in Kolkata.

A Life of Literature and Peace: Jamal Ahmed’s Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi

“I was just 18 years old, but Gandhiji was desperately seeking peace for the country. When I heard that Gandhiji was in Kolkata and my uncle, Kareem Sahab, was going to meet him, I joined my uncle and reached Beleghata,” recalled the nonagenarian, quickly adding that he has no picture with Gandhiji.

“In my brief interaction, I requested Gandhiji for peace in the country and to stop the riots. Gandhiji replied that he came to Kolkata for this very purpose and would be traveling to other parts of the country for the same reason.”

The well-known hotelier has great command over recipes and dishes. “I have helped several hotel outlets in Kolkata and abroad set up their centers. Some of them are now big names, like Arsalan and Mezban.”

Jamal Ahmed’s sons run several hotels in Kolkata, including the famous Arafat Hotel on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, which is managed by Firdaus Jamal.

Aliah Hotel on Prafulla Sarkar Street—where Jamal Ahmed feels he gains the wings to fly.

Preserving Harmony Through Poetry: The ‘Tatkal’ Poet’s Message for Unity

But in Kolkata’s literary circles, ‘Jamal’ is known for his ‘Tatkal’ poetry. A ‘Tatkal’ poet is one who can deliver a poem instantly, depending on the situation.

“I was very young when I met Gandhiji, and still, I recited a poem for him:

Andhi Tawaf Karti Hai, Gandhi Ki, Aye Jamal.
Ye To Bhanwar Se Laye Hain Kashti Nikal Ke

(The storm circles around Gandhi, O Jamal. He is the one who has brought the boat out of the whirlpool.)”

The poet ‘Jamal’, an Acharya in Sanskrit often uses the couplet to promote communal harmony.

Yem niza pro weti ganna laguchetshaam udarnaam chatrinantu, washudhew kutumbakam.

A rough translation of this Sanskrit couplet is:

“This is ours, that is yours—those who think this way have small hearts. But for the great ones, the entire world is one.”

He also mentioned that the shloka is written at the entrance of the old Parliament building’s gate. Eleven members of Parliament, including Maulana Azad, had agreed to imprint it there.

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Art & Culture> Bengal / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / February 19th, 2025

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan is Now No More

Tonk, RAJASHTAN :

Tonk, Rajasthan :

Shaukat Ali Khan, who received the “International Hero in Literature Award” from Cambridge University and was awarded the President’s Award, is now no more. He breathed his last on Saturday night during treatment in Jaipur. He was 87.

Born on 11 July 1936 in the family of Sahabzada Idris Ali Khan of Tonk, Shaukat Ali Khan is a distinguished personality of the Amiriya family. He was the first Director of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic-Persian Research Institute (APRI).

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan participated in the International Sufism Seminar organized by India in Afghanistan.

In view of this, the then President Giani Zail Singh himself considered him worthy of being honored with the National Award.

Shaukat Ali Khan also received an award in a seminar organized by UNESCO.

Apart from being a writer, historian, translator, and poet, he possessed many salient features rarely found in the world of literature.

Shaukat Ali Khan with APRI team

The APRI, which has its own identity in the country and the world, is also the result of the hard work and dedication of Shaukat Ali Khan.

Shaukat Ali Khan with President of India Giani Zail Singh at APRI, Tonk

In 1986, then President Giani Zail Singh visited the APRI. At that time, he wrote, “I am happy that such a director and such an organization exists in Rajasthan, due to which Rajasthan is known in the Arabic-Persian world. This happens very rarely. The idea is that someone should establish a path for the simultaneous progress and development of both the languages. I am extremely proud that a single person has created a platform for the progress of the Arabic and Persian languages and made it popular in the world. For this, its director Shaukat Saheb should definitely get the National Award, which he deserves.”

The life of Shaukat Ali had many forms and colors. With his efforts, he not only converted a nursery into an institute but also brought glory to Tonk. The APRI is proof of his pioneering efforts and wisdom. As long as the APRI continues to exist, the name of Shaukat Ali Khan will be there.

Shaukat Ali Khan was initially appointed Nigran of Nawab Mohammad Ali Khan’s library. He collected about 50,000 Makhtutats and wrote about 60 books in different languages – two books in Arabic, 10 in Persian and about 45 in English.

He had been carrying out research and writing work for about 40 years. He was a scholar of Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi and Urdu languages. He has also served as a member of many national and international government organizations.

Shaukat Saheb, who presented papers at national and international conferences and seminars, also edited and translated 6000 manuscripts, and published about 300 articles in more than 100 journals in English and Urdu. There is a long list of honors received by him at the national and international levels as well as at the state level. After retirement, he was living his life as a Sufi saint.

People across the country, including Mujeeb Azad, Director of Tonk Arabic Persian Research Institute; Sahibzada Mohammad Ahmed Bhayyu Bhai, Chairman of Royal Family Tonk; Retired Research Officer Anwarunnisa Nadira, State General Secretary of Human Relief Society, Tehreek-e-Urdu Rajasthan Advocate Akhtar Khan Akela, Cricket Coach Imtiaz Ali Neelu, have expressed grief over his demise, calling it an irreparable loss for the Arabic-Persian Research Institute, Tonk residents, and the Tonk Royal Family.

Condolence Letter by Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk

Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk has also sent a condolence message.

Chaudhary Akbar Qasmi, national convenor of Sanjhi Virasat Manch, has written that Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan was a descendant of Tonk Nawab and was one of the great intellectuals of Rajasthan. No one can deny his important role in establishing a big library (Arabic Persian Research Institute) in Tonk City and in raising it from the ground to great heights. As long as he was able to walk, he stood before writers and research scholars as a bright lamp of hope.

He was indeed a man of knowledge and grace.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Obituary / by Raheem Khan / December 12th, 2023

Spectrum of styles on canvas of cultures marks Akbar Saheb’s art

Bengaluru / Mumbai / Dubai, U.A.E :

A painting combats drugs.Horses displaying power in colour.

Renowned artist Akbar Saheb has been immersed in the field of art for over 50 years. He has been living and working in Dubai since 1996, and has been honoured with the Golden Visa for his many artistic achievements and exceptional creative contributions to the UAE, his adoptive country, and India, his home country.

His vast collection of artworks, inclusive now of over hundreds of paintings, spans various mediums, including those created in oil, acrylic, watercolour, and more recently, sculptures. His exhibitions extend to both global and local audiences. Among others, he has had a notable solo exhibition done in a new style he calls “Depthism” at Jehangir Art Gallery Mumbai (2023).

Later, he hosted another art event in Delhi. The theme was tolerance and Akbar Saheb says that “many people, including foreigners, were mesmerised by the artworks and their creative ideation.”

In 2024, he had a solo exhibition at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club in Dubai. “It was a huge highlight of my creative career,” says Akbar Saheb. His artistic prowess has transcended borders, earning him recognition from the Indian government also. He has been invited to participate in governmental initiatives, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat (Conversations of the Mind) book.

He was the only artist selected to illustrate the volume; it won him recognition in the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and with the public also, during the official launch of the volume. In 2022, he showcased his artwork in 6 solo exhibitions held across India, supported by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office. The shows were held in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat, Rajkot, Delhi and Varanasi; they were attended by many VIPs. Akbar created a collection of 55 paintings which served as platforms that presented India’s progress and the transformative impact of Mann Ki Baat initiatives.

Akbar Saheb in a contemplative mood.

The seeds of Akbar’s artistic journey were sown at the tender age of seven. Despite the absence of significant family support, he diligently pursued his passion for art. He began by crafting shop signboards and assisting college students with biology drawings, to finance his sketching material. Years later, his creative flair propelled him to leading advertising agencies, where he specialised in illustration with airbrush techniques. His dedication to art ultimately took him from India’s Bangalore and Mumbai, where he worked in major companies, to Dubai.

His paintings, especially those of horses, feature a bold use of colour and a fearless instinct to show movement. The firm brushstrokes are the vectors of the energy, vitality and dynamism of the animals. The pictures bring memories of the work of Indian artist M. F. Husain, whose horses too portrayed majesty and power.

Akbar Saheb is not merely an artist; he is a compassionate soul with a deep commitment to humanity, particularly towards children with disabilities. Through specialised painting classes and international collaborations, he empowers the children to express their artistry. “I strive to inspire children to embrace art, fill their minds with colours, and explore the world through creativity,” he says.

He has launched painting classes and charitable projects for disabled children, providing them a space for artistic expression and has also auctioned paintings for donations and charity. In an interview, Akbar shared his experience working with the children. “Engaging with these children and witnessing their resilience and creativity is truly humbling,” he said. “They inspire me and remind me of the beauty and strength within each person. Through such efforts, I hope to inspire others too to support and uplift special children, as they live their life and pursue art. Together, we can create a more inclusive and caring society.”

A composition by Akbar Saheb..

Alongside art sessions, the activities he initiates are aimed at raising resources for the development of children with special needs. His aim is to provide them with the necessary assets, materials and educational opportunities to nurture and develop their artistic talent. Investing in their growth, he believes, can create a future where every child, regardless of his or her ability, can thrive and contribute to the community.

Akbar’s extensive portfolio showcases an eclectic array of creative concepts, themes and styles – he has exhibited his works worldwide. “Recently,” he says, “I was invited to do live painting during the Gold Cup final at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Both the teams involved played well; it was an intense match and ended in a tie. But finally, the UAE Polo team broke through, winning the final. My painting was gifted to the winning team for their amazing performance and playing skills!”

A painting titled Black Money.

Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the Patron of the event, for the sixth time, and also led the winning UAE team. Sheikha Maitha was the first woman from the UAE to represent the country in the Olympics, in 2008.

Akbar Saheb is known to numerous celebrities and prominent people; many of them own his paintings. He has produced multiple works depicting the UAE’s culture, and the growth of the country. The 18×7 foot, 50 year golden jubilee painting; paintings on Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; plus over 50 paintings on UAE culture, are among his prized creations. His works range from commissions given by well-known individuals, to paintings done for his own satisfaction. Themes include horses, polo, history and culture and human existence, among others.

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Muhammad Yusuf, Features Editor / February 24th, 2025

‘Music without spirituality is meaningless’

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan on maintaining his gharana’s parampara and his views on music.

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan

The illustrious Agra gharana of Hindustani classical music has had distinguished exponents and teachers who have imparted this school of music to countless disciples over the centuries. Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan is a prominent vocalist of this gharana.

Born in 1974, Waseem Khan is the grandson of Ustad Basheer Khan from his father’s side and of Ustad Ata Hussain Khan from his mother’s side. He has thus inherited the rich repertoire of both the khandans . He took his initial taleem (education) from Ata Hussain Khan at the age of six. Thereafter, he learnt from his father, Ustad Naseem Ahmed Khan.

Waseem’s debut performance was at the age of 10. In July 1999, he became a scholar of ITC Sangeet Research Academy ( ITC – SRA) under erstwhile guru Ustad Shafi Ahmed Khan. He left the academy in April 2003 as an A-grade scholar. Since then he has performed at various venues all over the world, sharing the stage with maestros. He taught for five years as a senior faculty member of Shakhri Begum Memorial Trust, an academy run by Ustad Rashid Khan and is currently assisting with ITC-SRA projects. He is also a regular performer for All India Radio.

Waseem, based in Kolkata, will give his first ever concert in Kerala at the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi Hall, Thrissur, on September 21 at 5 pm. Prior to the concert, Waseem spoke to Friday Review on his gharana, Indian classical music and more. Excerpts from an e-mail interview.

What are the defining features of the Agra gharana?

The voice production is distinctive; the voice throw is open-throated. The other distinctive features are nom-tom alaap (the rhythmic section where the raga develops with a steady pulse employing syllables such as non-tom but without the binding of tala). The method of presenting a bandish (fixed, melodic composition) is also distinctive of this gharana. We break the bandish into many parts. For example, if there is an interesting line in the antara, we use this line for bol tan (rhythmic pattern of notes which uses the words of the bandish), bol bandh, bol vistar and so on. We are not supposed to create an artificial voice but rather polish the one gifted by God.

Is there an amalgamation of features of various gharanas in the Hindustani music we hear today?

Yes. It is healthy as long as one is able to express one’s identity clearly. Every gharana has its own beautiful features. Artistes of the past also adapted the features of other gharanas and enriched their music. They, however, retained a stamp of their gharana, which could be identified by the opening ‘sa’.

Being part of an ancient and reputed gharana, what are your responsibilities? Do you have another generation to take on the mantle?

It is a huge responsibility. But I feel proud too. I consider it is my duty to carry on this tradition and, if possible, enrich it. The most important aspect is to pass on this legacy to the next generation. My young daughter has started learning it and I’m also teaching students at the ITC-SRA Kolkata apart from my own students. The Agra gharana, today, has a lot of good artistes making their mark in the world of music.

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan

What is your opinion about lighter forms of classical music such as thumri, dadra…?

It is beautiful to sing the light forms also. Old masters of our gharana like Ustad Faiyaz Khan Sahib, for instance, used to sing the thumri and the dadra. I sing these in almost all my concerts. It is nice to switch to a relaxed mood after a heavy khayal.

Is there a link between spirituality and Indian classical music?

Definitely! Music without spirituality is meaningless. Our bandishes address gods irrespective of religion, requesting their mercy for the well-being of this world.

How do you decide which raga to sing at a concert?

The time of the concert plays an important role. Each raga is associated with a specific time. We follow that strictly. But this can be modified depending on the weather and the mood of the concert. For example, Malhar is a night raga. But we may choose it intuitively during a concert held in the day if it is raining outside. We do it because we feel that it will suit the mood and the effect is usually amazing. During festivals like Durga Puja or Basant Panchami, we render ragas like Gouri, Durga or Basant accordingly. And if it is a concert series, we render it according to the raga rendered earlier.

How much does an audience affect your performance?

Like any musician, I love to sing before a huge audience. But there should at least be a handful of good listeners whose presence should motivate me to sing wholeheartedly. In the past, music was confined to a few, now it is accessible to millions across the globe. The gharanas are flourishing, Dhrupad and khayal are intact, there are gurus and shishyas, and there is innovation.

Do you think that the classical music scene is strong and prosperous?

I don’t think there is any threat to good music. Earlier, maharajas were the promoters of classical music. Now we have corporates and organisations in that place. I can say that ITC is a classic example. Then there are organisations like SPICMACAY and NCPA that have also done their bit to carry forward this great tradition.

How relevant is Indian classical music in the modern world?

It is relevant in the modern world. When I see young boys in half-pants touching my feet and learning classical music seriously, I feel it is because they feel it is pertinent. And in the West, the young generation has taken it up enthusiastically.

If you were asked to pick a memorable concert, which would you choose and why?

That’s a tough one. There are so many, like the one in New York recently where the listeners asked me to sing only khayals with elaborate nom tom alaap and not even thumri or dadra. I was surprised. I’m looking forward to the concert series here where I’m sure I will be in the company of avid listeners.

Is the guru-shishya parampara still existent? And what is the best way of doing riyaaz (practice)?

I teach my students the same way I learned from my gurus. But it was tough then, as the gurus were task masters. In the case of riyaaz, my advice would be to do ‘Kharaj Riyaaz’(practice of holding notes on the lower octave, where every single sur is used with full breath) in the morning. It is extremely important for improving one’s voice culture.

If not a professional musician, what career would you have chosen?

I would have been a cricket player, perhaps. I was passionate about the game and played it during my college days. I admire Sourav Ganguly, I’m a great fan of his.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Music / by K Pradeep / September 19th, 2019

Artiste Mujeeb Ahmed no more

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysore/Mysuru:

Artiste Mujeeb Ahmed passed away on Apr.6. 

Mujeeb Ahmed was born in Mysuru and lived here for 60 years. He started learning Banjo (Bulbul Tara) and Harmonium from his father late Noor Ahmed when he was 7 years old.

Mujeeb Ahmed, along with his close friend, one of the Kannada and Urdu singers Jahihulla Khan, son of late Shoukath Ali Khan of Bilugunda village, Kodagu district, learnt Hindustani Music from Ustad Basheer Masthan of Mysuru, and together performed several programmes across India. He was a close friend of A.R. Rahaman, renowned composer. 

Mujeeb Ahmed passed the exam with Zahirulla Khan and Zareena Banu in All India Radio, Mysuru. He has given several programmes with many renowned artistes which were telecast in Doordarshan, Bengaluru and several Mehfil Sama Khani (qawwali) programmes to the general public. 

Mujeeb Ahmed leaves behind his wife Nikhath Sulthana, a daughter and two sons.

Mukram Pasha, a resident of Bengaluru, is one of the close disciple of Mujeeb Ahmed and he rendered his services to his Guru Mujeeb Ahmed till his cremation. 

Condoled: Jahidulla Khan, Secretary, Fankaar Welfare Trust of India, Salma Siddiqua, have condoled the death of Mujeeb Ahmed.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 11th, 2020