The event will be full of blending storytelling and live performance
The historic Royal Opera House in Mumbai will come alive with Dastaan-e-Akhtari, on October 4, a uniquely curated evening dedicated to the legendary singer Begum Akhtar, the indomitable queen of ghazals, thumris, and dadras.
The programme has been conceptualised and produced by Excurators, an organisation committed to creating experiential cultural platforms that bring India’s rich heritage to contemporary audiences.
In a press statement, the organisers say that the event will be full of blending storytelling and live performance and it promises an immersive experience those journeys through the life, art, and enduring legacy of Begum Akhtar, a cultural icon who redefined the world of Indian classical music and Awadhi tehzeeb or culture.
Th statement adds that the evening will feature acclaimed poet and author Yatindra Mishra, who will narrate rare anecdotes and reflections from Begum Akhtar’s personal and artistic journey, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into her world.
The press statement adds that complementing this narration, celebrated classical vocalist Malini Awasthi, along with her ensemble, will present renditions of Begum Akhtar’s most iconic compositions, reviving her timeless repertoire for a contemporary audience.
Dastaan-e-Akhtari is not merely a performance but it is a cultural celebration, honouring one of India’s greatest musical voices whose artistry continues to inspire generations.
“Begum Akhtar was not just a singer, she was an era in herself. To present her timeless compositions is both an honour and a responsibility. Through Dastaan-e-Akhtari, we hope to take the audience closer to the soul of her music and the tehzeeb she embodied,” says Awasthi.
“Begum Akhtar’s voice was never just music, it was the sound of longing, resistance, and grace, woven into every sur of Hindustani tradition. We are not only remembering an artist but invoking an era that still breathes through her melodies. Through my family’s association with Begum Akhtar, I have inherited many stories and incidents from her life. Memories I look forward to sharing as part of this tribute,” says Mishra.
“At Excurators, our vision has always been to create immersive cultural experiences that honour India’s artistic legacy while making it accessible to contemporary audiences. Dastaan-e-Akhtari is very close to our hearts, it is not just a tribute to Begum Akhtar’s timeless artistry, but also a way of connecting new generations with the rich tehzeeb and music she embodied,” says Minhal Hasan, Founder and Managing Director, Excurators.
The statement adds that the tickets for the show are already on sale and available on various platforms like bookmyshow.