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  • Sound Reasons: Live Improvised Session
    Sound Reasons: Live Improvised Session
    Sat, 06 Jun
    A completely improvised, live ambient performance blending cello, guitar, and electronics. Artists Ish S and maestro Saskia Rao de Haas mix classical and contemporary sounds into a living, unpredictable sonic experience. For ages 18+
  • Failing Up with Pranshu Shrimali
    Failing Up with Pranshu Shrimali
    Sat, 13 Jun
    Spread over 2 days, Failing Up is a low-pressure, high-play space where messing up is celebrated and failure becomes fuel. | Facilitated by Pranshu Shrimali | 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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