Dubai digital concert to feature ghazal legend Farida Khanum

Famous for Aaj Jane Ki Zidd Na Karo, singing legend Farida Khanum will grace the Diwali edition of a digital concert to be streamed live on Friday, November 6.

Dubai-based Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts is paying tribute to Khanum, as a Diwali gift to its viewers, with a ‘Baithak’ to be broadcast on their Facebook and YouTube channels. The 91-year-old ghazal artiste will share her musical journey in an interactive session.

Born in Calcutta (now, Kolkata) of British India, Khanum later moved to Lahore in Pakistan. Khanum will talk about her childhood and later years spent learning music and performing all over the world.

“During this festive edition of digital Baithak, the legend will connect with us from Lahore and she will share many facets of her musical journey, which have not been revealed to the world and her fans before,” says Jogiraj Sikidar, Founder-Director of Malhaar.

Malhaar’s artists will perform Khanum’s popular as well as rare compositions, Sikidar adds. “The playlist will include evergreen compositions such as Mere Humnafas, Muhabbat Karnewale, Dill Jalane Ki Baat to her rare ghazals and semi-classical compositions such as Milan Rut Aayi, Na Rawa Kahiye, Bajuband Khul Khul Jaaye, and many more. We will also request Farida ji to sing a few lines of her famous ghazal Aaj Jane Ki Zidd Na Karo for our audience."

“I am very excited to share my music and story with Malhaar Baithak’s viewers,” says Khanum, who has been given the title ‘Malika-e-Ghazal’ (Queen of Ghazal) in tribute to her singing talent. She lives in Lahore, Pakistan and performs at select musical gatherings.