Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed an enchanting evening at the Royal Opera House as Dastaan-e-Akhtari paid tribute to Begum Akhtar, the legendary Mallika-e-Ghazal, whose voice continues to mesmerize generations. The event was a unique blend of katha (storytelling) and sangeet (music), brought to life by award-winning poet Yatindra Mishra, author of Akhtari: Soz aur Saaz ka Afsana, and the soulful voice of Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, one of India’s leading classical and folk vocalists. Together, they captured the many dimensions of Begum Akhtar—artist, woman, rebel, and romantic—illustrating her fearless, fragile, and incandescent life.

Through a seamless combination of music and narration, the audience journeyed from her humble beginnings in Faizabad to her crowning as the Malika-e-Ghazal. Poignant anecdotes highlighted her grace, integrity, and devotion to art. Composer Madan Mohan acknowledged that every note he composed carried her influence, while Kaifi Azmi noted she had “given Urdu its voice.” Her humility and self-respect were reflected in acts like returning a royal gift of land, valuing love and art above worldly rewards.

Malini Awasthi described the event as “a pilgrimage,” where every note honored Begum Akhtar’s truthfulness in art. Curator Minhal Hasan, Founder and MD of Excurators Events, emphasized that the evening connected past and present, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of India’s most iconic women performers.

In collaboration with Aalekh Foundation, the program underscored storytelling’s power in preserving India’s cultural heritage. As the final strains of “Ae Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya” faded, the audience applauded not only the performers but also the timeless spirit of Begum Akhtar, whose music continues to inspire hearts across generations.