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  • ULLOO
    ULLOO
    Sat, 23 May
    Belligerent sibling duo present their group's zero show - medium to fast, melodic and noisy electro pop. Languages: Hindi, English, Punjabi | For ages 18+
  • Pocket Plays: Round 2
    Pocket Plays: Round 2
    Sun, 24 May
    A group of first-time and returning performers take the stage with a set of short plays - the result of a few rehearsals and the thrill of sharing them live. For ages 18+
  • Irshad 2026
    Irshad 2026
    Fri, 29 May
    Two performances by the Bargad Theatre Fellowship cohort - sharing stories shaped through five months of ensemble work, mentorship, and creative exploration. | For ages 18+

Dastan-e-Akhtari - Yusra Naqvi & Kafeel Jafri

Storyteller Kafeel Jafri and vocalist Yusra Naqvi blended Dastangoi and live music to retrace Begum Akhtar's journey - her struggles, friendships, and triumphs - offering a portrait of the artist as a woman who sang her way to dignity.

28 November 2025

In Dastan-e-Akhtari, theatre artist and storyteller Kafeel Jafri joined vocalist Yusra Naqvi to bring alive the extraordinary life of ghazal icon Begum Akhtar, tracing her rise from the margins of a courtesan household to the heights of Hindustani classical music.

A Dastangoi-style performance blending narrative and live music, the piece unfolded through spoken word, song, and anecdotes. Yusra's renditions of Begum Akhtar's ghazals, thumris, and dadras punctuated Kafeel's narration, creating a seamless weave of story and sur. The performance was accompanied by live tabla, harmonium and sarangi.

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