An evening of ghazals

Presenting a mélange of cultural events, the Hindustan Times Noida First Festival is back again with its next edition. The festival, which kicked off on March 2, celebrates the launch of Hindustan Times Noida. Today, ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas will enthrall the audience with his performance.

“I think after Jagjit ji, I am one of the few musicians who have given the maximum concerts in Delhi. Considering that the major population of the city speaks Hindu and Urdu, the audience here appreciates different genres of music,” says Udhas, who was honoured with a Padma Shri in 2006.

Udhas will be performing his popular ghazals such as Paani Jaisa Rang, Ghungroo Toot Gaye, Jiye to Jiye Kaise, Chitthi Aayi Hai, among others. There’s a surprise for the audience too. “Along with my popular numbers, I will also be performing some new and unheard ghazals, just to break the monotony,” says Udhas, who had last performed in the city in January.

“Delhi and adjoining areas bring together North Indian cultures. Since it’s a prominent place for any artist, I always look forward to performing here,” says the singer, who will be releasing his next album — Moments With Pankaj Udhas — at The Gateway of India, this month end.

While day one of the festival was marked by a hilarious performance at the Haasya Kavi Sammelan by Hindi author and poet Ashok Chakradhar, the following day saw the audience laughing their hearts out at the stand up comedy stint by artists such as Abish Mathew, Sanjay Rajoura, Sorabh Pant and Varun Thakur.

The 14 day long festival will be concluded with a classical musical act by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on March 16 at the same venue.

Watch it live
What: HT Noida First Festival
Where: Unitech Golf & Country Club, Sector 96-98, Greater Noida Expressway
When: March 10, 6.45 pm (Pankaj Udhas live)
March 16, 6.45pm (Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia)
passes: SMS NOIDA to 5424211