Shaam-e-Akhtari: Dr. Soma Ghosh Pays Soulful Tribute to Begum Akhtar in New Delhi

Shaam-e-Akhtari Celebrates Begum Akhtar’s 52nd Death Anniversary as Padma Shri Dr. Soma Ghosh Mesmerises Audiences with Music and Cinema

New Delhi: The timeless magic of India’s legendary Ghazal Queen, Begum Akhtar, came alive once again at a memorable musical evening organised in the national capital. Titled ‘Shaam-e-Akhtari’, the special cultural programme commemorated the 52nd death anniversary of Padma Bhushan Begum Akhtar, celebrating her extraordinary contribution to Indian classical, semi-classical and ghazal music.

Held on October 30, 2026, at the Samvet Auditorium of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, the programme featured a soulful musical tribute by Padma Shri Dr. Soma Ghosh. Through her expressive singing and innovative presentation, Dr. Ghosh recreated the emotional depth and musical brilliance associated with Begum Akhtar, leaving the audience deeply moved.

Shaam-e-Akhtari Brings Begum Akhtar’s Musical Legacy to Life

The highlight of the evening was the unique combination of live music and cinematic storytelling. A specially produced film exploring Begum Akhtar’s life, struggles, achievements and musical journey was presented during the programme.

The film was produced by Dr. Soma Ghosh, founder of Madhu Murchhana, and Prof. Shubhankar Ghosh. It offered audiences an opportunity to discover lesser-known aspects of the legendary singer’s personality and understand the different phases of her artistic journey.

As the film presented important moments from Begum Akhtar’s life, Dr. Soma Ghosh complemented the storytelling with live musical renditions. This creative presentation brought together cinema and music, allowing audiences to experience the connection between the legendary singer’s personal journey and her extraordinary musical expression.

The performance sensitively reflected the evolution of Begum Akhtar’s singing style and the emotions that made her one of the most admired voices in Indian music.

Dr. Soma Ghosh Highlights the Importance of Connecting Young Generations with Musical Legends

Speaking during the programme, Padma Shri Dr. Soma Ghosh emphasised the importance of introducing younger generations to India’s legendary classical musicians and preserving their artistic contributions.

She observed that many young people are gradually becoming disconnected from the country’s rich classical music traditions. Through innovative musical presentations, she aims to make the lives and contributions of iconic personalities such as Ustad Bismillah Khan and Begum Akhtar more accessible to contemporary audiences.

Sharing her personal experience from the performance, Dr. Ghosh expressed that she experienced an emotional connection with Begum Akhtar while singing.

She explained that her intention was not simply to perform the legendary singer’s compositions but to connect the music with the different chapters of her life. She also expressed hope that the presentation had touched the hearts of everyone attending the programme.

Eminent Personalities Attend the Special Musical Evening

The cultural event witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities from the fields of art, literature, journalism and public life.

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Among the prominent guests were Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, renowned classical dancer and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament; senior journalist and author Hemant Sharma; and Arvind Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture.

Their presence added significance to the occasion and reflected the importance of preserving India’s artistic and musical heritage.

The programme was organised under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Richa Kamboj, Head of the Kala Darshan Department at IGNCA, with the support and contribution of the department.

Accomplished Musicians Add Depth to the Tribute

The musical presentation became even more memorable with the participation of an accomplished ensemble of accompanying artists who supported Dr. Soma Ghosh throughout the evening.

The artists included Nawazish Jabbar Hussain Khan on tabla, Parmita Mukherjee on harmonium, Umesh Kumar Sahu on keyboard, Kashif Nizami on sarangi and Pankaj Banai on side rhythm.

Their musical contributions added richness, rhythm and depth to the performance, complementing the emotional character of the ghazals.

The programme also featured graceful dance performances by Ms. Aastha Gupta and Aanchal Sharma, adding another artistic dimension to the celebration. Vishal Pandey hosted the event and guided the audience through the evening’s proceedings.

Begum Akhtar’s Contribution to Indian Classical and Ghazal Music

Begum Akhtar, widely celebrated as the Queen of Ghazals and Mallika-e-Ghazal, remains one of the most influential figures in India’s musical history.

Her distinctive voice, expressive singing style and ability to communicate deep emotions through music made her an unforgettable artist. Her contribution extended beyond ghazals to semi-classical forms such as thumri and dadra.

Even decades after her passing, her compositions continue to inspire musicians, singers and music enthusiasts across generations.

Through initiatives such as Shaam-e-Akhtari, artists and cultural organisations are creating opportunities for younger audiences to discover the richness of her musical legacy.

Shaam-e-Akhtari Concludes with Appreciation and Applause

The evening concluded with enthusiastic applause from music lovers, who appreciated Dr. Soma Ghosh and her entire team for presenting Begum Akhtar’s life and music through an innovative combination of cinema, storytelling and live performances.

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The programme once again demonstrated how artistic traditions can be preserved and introduced to new generations through creative cultural initiatives.

Shaam-e-Akhtari was more than a musical tribute; it was a celebration of an extraordinary artist whose voice continues to hold a special place in India’s cultural heritage. Although Begum Akhtar is no longer physically present, her music, artistic brilliance and emotional expression remain timeless.

The event reaffirmed that great artists never truly fade away because their creations continue to connect generations through the universal language of music.

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