Untitled

In Faiz’s memory

Blog for Friday, January 13: Returned to Kolkata from Jaipur. The season of events is in full swing with the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2012.

Yesterday went to the Town Hall to attend the programme “Lab Azaad Hain”, an evening of Faiz’s poetry and ghazals dedicated to the memory of Jit Paul, the founder, Apeejay Surrendra Group, although I was a little late for the programme

Faiz’s daughter Salima Hashmi started the event with her introductory note. Naseeruddin Shah recited Faiz’s poetry in Urdu and English in his mesmerizing voice. Ustaad Shujaat Khan rendered Faiz’s ghazals.

I met His Excellency Shahid Malik, Pakistan Ambassador to India (picture), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. A couple of media people asked Shahid Malik about the recent development in Pakistan and as a diplomat, Shahid Malik answered, “Please restrict the questions only to Faiz and literature.”

ess bee