Bombay (Maharastra) [India]October 31: The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, India’s premier performing arts institution, proudly presents Aamchi Bombay — an immersive evening celebrating the soul of the city through the eyes of one of India’s most distinguished poets and writers, Gulzar.
Curated and presented by eminent actor Salim Arifwith music composed by Amod Bhattpresentation features Gulzaralongside acclaimed singers Vibhavari Apte-Joshi and Hrishikesh Ranadeaccompanied by a group of live musicians.
In a career spanning more than five decades, Gulzar has given voice to the country’s deepest emotions, as a filmmaker, lyricist and poet, writing in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, and through translations from Bengali. From the moment he arrived in (then) Bombay in the late 1950s, the Oscar-winning poet has looked at the city and its inhabitants with a nuanced sensitivity and insight. Making a poignant commentary on a common and not-so-common man’s relationship with Mumbai, his poems cover various aspects of the city’s ever-changing life, revealing a perspective that bears the stamp of the master poet.
Aamchi Bombay is conceived and woven by Salim Arif, a well-known writer and director. A mix of sounds, rhythms and images, the event is a lively collage of Gulzar’s poems and eye-opening experiences about Mumbai’s mahanagar and the lives of people living on the edge in the bustling metropolis.
The evening promises to make a definitive statement about this eclectic and dynamic city by one of its most notable and admired poets. The event begins with Gulzar chatting with Arif about how he has seen the city change in the last 60 years. This will be interspersed with a presentation of songs based on select poems by Gulzar set to music by Amod Bhatt and performed by two well-known singers, Vibhavari Apte-Joshi and Hrishikesh Ranade. In a moving finale, the celebrated poet will recite some poems creating a wholesome experience for the discerning audience.
“Through gulzar saab’s verses, Mumbai emerges as more than a city: it becomes a living, breathing muse that holds a mirror of our own lives,” says Dr. Suvarnalata Rao, Director – Indian Music, NCPA. “We are honored to present this special production by one of the country’s most revered artists and deeply grateful to our patrons whose unwavering support allows NCPA to curate such meaningful cultural experiences.“
“At JSW, we believe that art and culture are integral to shaping an inclusive and inspired society. Supporting Aamchi Mumbai, an ode to our own city through the timeless words of Gulzar saab, aligns perfectly with our endeavor to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage through the celebration of Mumbai’s enduring creative spirit.” says Ms. Sangita Jindal, President, JSW Foundation. ““Our partnership with NCPA reflects our shared commitment to nurturing India’s artistic heritage and bringing it to audiences across generations.”
NCPA is grateful for the generous support of its sponsors: JSW as title sponsor, BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited) as associate sponsor and Pirojsha Godrej Foundation for their continuous encouragement. Their partnership plays a vital role in enabling NCPA to offer the public world-class programs that celebrate India’s artistic and cultural heritage. www.ncpamumbai.com
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