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.