RIYADH: A number of Urdu poets regaled about 2,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) at a poetry evening (mushaira) organized by the Indian Embassy at the International Indian School-Riyadh (IISR) at the weekend.
The literary event was inaugurated by Hemant Kotalwar, charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy, while Hifzur Rahman, embassy spokesman, delivered the welcome address.
Presided over by Tarannum Riyaz, fiction writer, critic, poet, columnist and a novelist, the mushaira was moderated by Shakeel Jamali.
He recited couplets that charged the atmosphere. One of his fine couplet that received massive appreciation was: “Hamara Haq Daba Rakha Hai Jisne/Woh Banda Haj Pe Jana Chahta Hai” (A dishonest person who is refusing to return my due is preparing to go on Haj.)
Shakeel Aazmi, a poet turned Bollywood lyricist, recited his popular couplets amid massive appreciation.
Hina Taimoori mesmerized the audience with her popular couplets and melodious voice.
Her couplet that received massive appreciation was: “Khoii Huii Si Rahti Hai Har Waqt Ab Hina/Ye Haal Ho Gaya Hai Tujhey Dekhney ke Baad (I find myself lost quite often from the moment I saw you).
Nusrat Mehdi regaled the audience with her couplets, one of which was: “Main Kya Karun Key Teri Anaa Ko Miley Sakoon/Gir Jaaon, Toot Jaaon, Bikhar Jaaon, Kya Karun?” (What should I do to satisfy your self respect? Should I destroy myself?).
Aalam Khursheed recited couplets with reference to unequal distribution of resources and irregularities in the system: “Zaroor Khot Hai Taqseem Key Tareeqon Mein/ Kaheen Chiragh Bahut Hai Kaheen Chiragh Nahi.”
Another attraction was Mukhtar Yusufi, whose entertaining comic poetry sent the audience into bursts of laughter.
The other poets at the mushaira included Akhtar Gwaliori, Nadeem Siddiqui, Malikzadah Javed, Afzal Manglori, Mehshar Afridi, Aqeel Nomani and Sohail Lakhnavi.
Indian poets regale Urdu lovers in Riyadh
Indian poets regale Urdu lovers in Riyadh
France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh
- L’Institut francais, Riyadh Art will open La Fabrique on Feb. 22
- ‘New cultural chapter’ between the nations, says France envoy
RIYADH: L’Institut francais in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Art, an initiative of the city’s royal commission, have announced the opening of La Fabrique, a space for artists, on Jan. 22.
The project is based in the Riyadh Art Hub in JAX District and will enable Saudi and French artists to create, experiment, and bring their visions to life, according to a press release from the organizers.
La Fabrique also offers the public a rare opportunity to witness creative production including movement performances, digital and immersive arts, photography, music, cinema, cuisine and poetry.
At its core, La Fabrique fosters artistic exchange between French and Saudi artists, fostering new encounters, shared practices, and co-creation.
The initiative is aligned with the vision shared by French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have placed cultural cooperation at the heart of the renewed Saudi-French strategic partnership.
Anchored in the ambitions of Vision 2030, La Fabrique is a part of Riyadh’s transformation into a major international cultural hub.
Developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the project strengthens the long-standing cultural dialogue between the two nations, the press release stated.
Patrick Maisonnave, ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, said: “La Fabrique embodies the spirit of a new cultural chapter between France and Saudi Arabia.
“By bringing our artists together, we are not only sharing techniques and traditions, we are opening a space where imaginations meet, new forms emerge, and creativity becomes a bridge between our two societies.
“This initiative reflects our belief that artistic dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding, trust, and a shared future. It stands as a concrete example of France’s contribution to the ambitions of Vision 2030.”
