Oudh 1590, Vivekananda Park, got to witness an insightful conversation commemorating the life and times of the legendary Wajid Ali Shah. Shahanshah Mirza, the great-great grandson of the nawab spoke to Oindrilla Dutt, shedding light upon the lesser-known sides of the ruler and how intricately interwoven he was to his cultural roots.
The adjectives defining Wajid Ali Shah are not solely confined to being a mere ruler. He wrote and composed several songs. Tadap tadap sagari rain gujri as one of his compositions was just too soothing to the ears. Sounak Chattopadhyay left the audience enthralled by singing this composition, thus paying tribute to the legacy of the ruler. Shah was educated under really illustrious gurus. Being a man much ahead of his time, Wajid Ali Shah was a champion in patronising both music and dance as art forms. “Only music can bring tears to the eyes of a man,” said Shahanshah Mirza, remembering a quote from Wajid Ali Shah. Parikhana, an entertainment hub, welcomed dancers from far and wide.
Moments and snapshots from the event.
(right) Imran Zaki