Shabana Azmi to join interactive Dubai celebration of father Kaifi Azmi's birth month

Dubai-based Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts is paying tribute to one of the greatest poets of the Indian sub-continent, Kaifi Azmi, in a ‘Baithak’ which will be joined virtually by his daughter Shabana Azmi. Azmi will share various facets of her father’s life, while Malhaar artists will perform timeless compositions penned by the poet during an interactive session.

Kaifi Azmi was a famous Hindi and Urdu poet and wrote many memorable lyrics for Bollywood. As a lyricist and songwriter, though he wrote for numerous films, he will always be remembered for Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Haqeeqat (1964), and Heer Raanjha (1970).

Jogiraj Sikidar, Founder-Director of Malhaar, said, “In this edition of digital Baithak, the legendary actress will connect with us from London, where she is currently shooting for a film. She will share many interesting anecdotes about her father, which one might not have heard of. Malhaar’s finest artists will perform some of Azmi’s popular gems".

“I am very excited to share my father’s philosophy, anecdotes and poetry with Malhaar Baithak’s viewers,” says Shabana Azmi. “Malhaar is doing a great job by bringing this beautiful music through this online monthly musical session and I am looking forward to being part of this session,” added the actress.

Malhaar will present a collection of songs written by the great poet including Kuch dil ne kaha, Zara si aahat hoti hai, Ye nayan dare dare, Waqt ne kiya kya hasi sitam, Jhuki jhuki si nazar, and Koi yeh kaise bataye.

“Also, with India’s Republic Day on January 26, Malhaar will be performing the famous patriotic song Kar chale hum fida again written by Azmi,”says Sikidar.

Malhaar's Baithak will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube channels - MalhaarUAE - on Friday, January 22, at 6pm.