Presented by Baarish in collaboration with Sonchiraiya, Conceptualised and Produced by Excurators

Mumbai: On 4th October 2024 at 7:00 PM, the historic Royal Opera House, Mumbai, will resonate with the timeless charm of Dastaan-e-Akhtari—a uniquely curated evening dedicated to the legendary Begum Akhtar, the indomitable queen of ghazals, thumris, and dadras.

Blending storytelling with live performance, this immersive cultural experience will journey through the life, art, and enduring legacy of Begum Akhtar, a true icon who redefined Indian classical music and the elegance of Awadhi tehzeeb.

 “Begum Akhtar ji 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.”
– Malini Awasthi

The evening will feature acclaimed poet and author Yatindra Mishra, who will share rare anecdotes and intimate reflections from Begum Akhtar’s personal and artistic journey.

Complementing his narration, celebrated classical vocalist Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, along with her ensemble, will bring alive Begum Akhtar’s most iconic compositions, reviving her timeless repertoire for a contemporary audience.

“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.” – Yatindra Mishra

Dastaan-e-Akhtari is not merely a performance—it is a cultural celebration, paying homage to one of India’s greatest musical voices, whose artistry continues to inspire and resonate across generations.

Presented by Baarish in collaboration with Sonchiraiya, the event is conceptualised and produced by Excurators, who remain committed to creating experiential platforms that celebrate and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage.

Event Details

  • Date: 4th October 2025
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Venue: Royal Opera House, Mumbai
  • Tickets: BookMyShow

Padma Shri Malini Awasthi
Celebrated as the Queen of Indian Folk Music, Malini Awasthi is a renowned folk and classical vocalist, known for preserving Awadhi, Bundelkhandi, and Bhojpuri traditions. A disciple of Vidushi Girija Devi ji, she represents the Purab Ang Gayaki of Banaras. Honoured with the Padma Shri (2016), she has performed globally and is the founder of SonChiraiya, dedicated to folk heritage. She currently serves as Chair Professor at BHU and India’s representative to UNESCO’s Cultural Commission.

Yatindra Mishra
An acclaimed poet, author, and scholar of music and cinema, Yatindra Mishra has written celebrated works on legends like Girija Devi, Bismillah Khan, Sonal Mansingh, Lata Mangeshkar, Gulzar, and Begum Akhtar. His book Lata: Sur-Gatha won six national awards including the 64th National Film Award (Swarna Kamal). Recipient of multiple literary honours, he has also served on the juries of the National Film Awards and IFFI.

About the Producer
Excurators, the producer of Dastaan-e-Akhtari, creates experiential cultural platforms that bring India’s heritage to contemporary audiences. Known for landmark initiatives like the Timeless Ayodhya Literature & Arts Festival, Baarish – Art. Music. Monsoon., and Soak Haridwar, Excurators continues to celebrate India’s rich music, literature, and traditions in unique ways.