An evening steeped in poetry, music, memory, and sensitivity unfolded at the Chitnavis Centre on Saturday as Kissa Gulzar Ka, a tribute to the timeless literary and musical creations of Gulzar, was presented before a jam-packed and deeply engaged audience.
The programme also marked the formal inauguration of Chhand a newly launched cultural platform dedicated to nurturing intimate and meaningful artistic experiences. The inauguration was formally announced by Dr Tejinder Singh Rawal, Chief Guest for the evening, who also introduced the concept and spirit of Kissa Gulzar Ka. In his address, Dr Rawal spoke about Gulzar Sahab’s unique ability to express profound emotions through restraint and silence, and drew a thoughtful parallel between Gulzar’s literary philosophy and the vision of Chhand, which seeks to create spaces where art is felt rather than hurriedly consumed.
The evening opened with a welcome by Sonal Hikare who outlined the platform’s journey from grassroots theatre workshops in schools and engagement sessions with organisations to its first major ticketed cultural event in Nagpur. She described Kissa Gulzar Ka as a defining milestone and the official beginning of Chhand as a cultural home for music, storytelling, theatre, and dialogue.
The narrative thread of the programme was led by RJ Tejal, whose evocative storytelling traced Gulzar Sahab’s life and creative journey, including his experiences during Partition, his arrival in Mumbai, his association with stalwarts like Bimal Roy, and his enduring collaborations in cinema and music. Her narration seamlessly blended anecdotes, nazms, and reflections, keeping the audience emotionally connected throughout.
The musical dimension of the evening was brought alive by vocalists Saurabh Kathale, Sakshi Sarode, and Lakshyti Kajalkar, supported by Pankaj Yadav on tabla and Ninad Hivarale on keys. The repertoire included memorable Gulzar compositions such as Surmayi Ankhiyon Mein, Do Naina, Beete Na Bitai Raina, Gali Mein Aaj Chand Nikla, Chupke Se, Mera Kuch Saamaan, Katra Katra, Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa, Iss Mod Se Jaate Hain, and Dilbaro. Each song was thoughtfully placed within the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the storytelling.
The carefully curated flow of poetry, storytelling, and music held the audience’s attention from beginning to end, culminating in a lively and celebratory jam session featuring all the performers. The evening concluded with sustained applause and an enthusiastic response from the full house.
Kissa Gulzar Ka was supported by esteemed sponsors Spacewood, Anand Jewellers, RERA Property, Aditraa Diamond & Jewellery, Positive Wings, ADJ, and Variety Sports, whose encouragement contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
More than a performance, the evening emerged as a cultural statement affirming the continued relevance of literature, language, and lyrical sensitivity in contemporary times. With this successful inaugural event, छंद made a confident and memorable entry onto Nagpur’s cultural landscape, signalling a promising future for meaningful artistic engagement.
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