Lucknow Pays Tribute to Legendary Ghazal Singer Begum Akhtar

Last month, on October 30, 2025, the city of Lucknow witnessed a captivating tribute to the legendary ghazal singer Begum Akhtar. The Lucknow Bioscope organized a Hindustani classical music programme titled 'Remembering Malika e Ghazal - Begum Akhtar' at the mausoleum of the iconic artist in Pasandbagh, Thakurganj.

Begum Akhtar, also known as Akhtari Bai Faizabadi, was a revered figure in the world of Hindustani classical music. She had composed over 400 ghazals and earned the prestigious title of 'Malika e Ghazal' or the 'Queen of Ghazals'. The programme was part of the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of the Padma Bhushan awardee.

The highlight of the event was the mesmerizing performance by renowned singer Ashwini Bhide of the Jaipuri atrauli gharana. Bhide enthralled the spell-bound audience with her renditions of Begum Akhtar's timeless thumris, dadras, and ghazals, including classics like 'Chhaa rahi kali ghata', 'Ab ke sawan ghar aa jaa', and 'Ho gayi beriya piya ke aawan ki'. Tulika Rai, a devoted fan of Begum Akhtar's ghazals, expressed her delight, stating that each of the legendary singer's compositions is a true gem.