Prayagraj,

21 December (H.S.): On the second day of Bazm-e-Virasat, the event commenced on

a melodious note with a heartfelt tribute to her Guru by the renowned

Hindustani classical vocalist, Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal. She performed the

enchanting piece “Gaiye Sajana Gunijan Beech”, accompanied by Aneesh Pradhan on

the tabla, Sudhir Nayak on the harmonium, and Vrinda along with Aiya Bose on

the tanpura. The presentation of Raag Sur Sarang and a captivating Chaturang

mesmerized the audience, and the venue resounded with thunderous applause.

The

celebrated artist further enriched the evening by weaving melodies around the

poetry of prominent Hindi literary figures of the Chhayavaad era. She rendered

Nirala Ji’s evocative poem “Bandho Na Nav Is Thav Bandhu” and Mahadevi Verma’s

soulful piece “Phir Vikal Hai Praan Mere”, adding her unique musical touch.

The

highlight of the recital was her rendition of a ghazal penned by Shri Vijay Dev

Narayan during the 1978 Emergency, titled “Zameen Ke Khaakh Chhanne Par”.

Shubha Mudgal’s soulful voice brought the essence of that era alive, leaving

the audience spellbound. Her artistry illuminated the profound depth and

emotions of the ghazal, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captivated

everyone present.

EVENT

2: A Thoughtful Discussion in Memory of Fareed and Nikhat Kazmi

The

second phase of Bazm-e-Virasat began with heartfelt tributes to the late Fareed

Kazmi and Nikhat Kazmi. The session delved into three significant topics

related to cinema, bringing together insightful perspectives from prominent guests.

The

discussion commenced with a question from Irfan Sahab, who asked filmmaker

Sudhir Mishra about the future of Middle-of-the-Road Cinema. Mishra highlighted

the era of Bimal Roy and Satyajit Ray as exemplary of this genre, describing it

as a bridge between commercial cinema and parallel (art) cinema. He pointed out

that while commercial cinema often spoon-feeds its audience, parallel cinema

serves as a powerful medium for artistic expression.

Filmmaker

and actor Nandita Das emphasized that films are deeply rooted in the conviction

and commitment of their creators. She remarked that audiences ultimately

determine the type of films they wish to watch. She urged viewers to support

good cinema by watching films in theaters, ensuring that the medium does not

become limited to OTT platforms.

Remembering

Irfan Sahab’s contribution to art films, his wife and producer Sutapa Sikdar

stressed the responsibility of viewers to engage with meaningful cinema. She

added that films are not merely a source of entertainment but also a medium to

explore and connect with cultural and societal sensitivities.

Lyricist

Kausar Munir highlighted the importance of audience engagement in cinema.

Comparing 30-second reels with three-hour films, she pointed out the varying

levels of viewer involvement. Sudhir Mishra advocated for courageous

filmmaking, urging filmmakers to portray truths and realities. He suggested

that films should be made tax-free to encourage audiences to watch

thought-provoking movies in theaters.

Nandita

Das described filmmaking as a deeply personal journey for creators. She

asserted that filmmakers should have the freedom to create films in their

unique ways, confident that they would find their audience. She also emphasized

the need for government grants for cinema, as institutions like NFDC and FCII

had previously provided.

The

relationship between Literature and Cinema: The second topic of discussion

revolved around the relationship between literature and cinema. Nandita Das

remarked that literature-based films are being made, though they are often

categorized as regional cinema and not given due recognition within mainstream

Indian cinema. However, she noted a positive trend with an increasing number of

regional films drawing inspiration from folklore and literary works.

Sudhir

Mishra emphasized the importance of preserving the essence and sensitivity of

literature when adapting it into films. He highlighted the deep and

long-standing relationship between literature and cinema, stating that both

mediums enrich each other.

Sutapa

Sikdar, recalling the legacy of the late actor Irfan Sahab, highlighted the

critical role of screenplays in bridging literature and cinema. She stated that

cinema is an excellent medium for bringing literary sources to the general

public, serving as a meaningful tool for future generations.

A

Tribute to Fareed Kazmi: The session began with a tribute to Fareed Kazmi.

Irfan Sahab described him as a scholar who deeply analyzed the intricate

connections between cinema, society, and politics. A professor in the

Department of Political Science at Allahabad University, Kazmi focused on

popular (mainstream) cinema for his studies rather than parallel or art cinema.

His book “Sex in Cinema” is a pioneering work that examines the portrayal of

sexuality and gender relations in Indian films. This session provided a

platform to reflect on the evolving nature of cinema, its societal impact, and

its enduring connection with literature.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi