New Delhi : ’Rang-E-Khusro’ – a unique concert showcasing the life and works of Hazrat Amir 
Khusro which is of increasing importance and relevance in the present times of terror and destruction, was organized by SAKSHI and SIET at India Habitat Centre recently. The first of the two day programme of Poetry and Music showcased a Jugalbandi – Ashaar & Sitar, where renowned Sitar Maestro, Dr. Sudeep Rai accompanied by Ustad Rashid Zafar Khan (Tabla) flawlessly executed a masterly performance enhancing and building on the “Poetic Reflections” by well known litterateur and Poet, Nazim Naqvi. The magical blend of the spoken word, reflecting on Hazrat Amir Khusro’s work mingling with the speaking strains of the Sitar was unimaginably beautiful and had the audience spellbound.
The second day featured “Kalaam-E-Khusro” – a mesmerizing Sufi vocal by Ustad Shakeel Ahmed and Vaishali Rai accompanied by Ustad Salim Ahmed Khan (Tabla), Ustad Syed Rehman Khan (Sarangi) and Anees Ahmed (Keyboard) on the second day. The beautiful Sufi kalaam “’Piya Ghar Aaye…’ melodiously sung by Vaishali Rai opened the evening Then came a virtual feast of Sufi kalaams in Shakeel Ahmed’s superb solo & duet act, presenting mesmerizing Sufi songs in his unique style which included songs like ‘ChhaapTilak..’ and ‘Dama Dum Mast Kalandar’ amongst others. Shakeel Ahmed treated the audience to the delectable farsee“ Amadabaqatl e man” as also the khadi boli song “Kahe ko byahi bides”, exhibiting Hazrat Amir Khusro’s ease and mastery over these languages. Ahmed transported his listeners into Amir Khusro’s world of universal emotions, humanity and love. It was amazing to see such a houseful overflowing audience on two of the coldest and most foggy December nights making a perfect weekend for Delhiites.
Nazim Naqvi commenced the evening with; Doston ye dilwalon ki mehfil hai.. jinhe husn se pyaar hai, ishq pe aitbar hai aur sach puchhiye to yahi sansaar hai.. (Friends this is a gathering of people with loving-hearts. those who love, who believe in Ishq and which is the ultimate truth in the real world..)
Nazim Naqvi’s apt initial remark seems totally justified, as he says ‘husn jab ishq ke kareeb aata hai to..mohabbat ka devta Cupid ek teer chalata hai.. jo iska zakhm khata hai, wo mohabbat ki ek dastaan ban jata hai…’ today we try to showcase & feel the magic via Jugalbandi of Ashaar & Sitar and it was bang on target the feeling of love, joy was there.
On this occasion a very pleased Dr. Mridula Satish Tandon (President, SAKSHI & SIET), said, ‘Rang E Khusro’ is staged to reacquaint the public with the towering persona of Hazrat Amir Khusro – soldier, scholar. Sufi, inventor, musician, humanist and much more than words are able to convey. His great body of work, indeed his whole life is a wonderful example of our “Ganga Jamni Tehzeeb”. Hazrat Amir Khusro’s life and work increase in importance and relevance in these times of terror and destruction. The Sufi message of universalism, coexistence and love are most significant today.
Ustad Shakeel Ahmed was very happy with the enthusiasm and interest shown by Delhiites for this programme. He said it is amazing to perform amongst such a responsive and beautiful audience, I enjoyed every moment of my performance and delighted at receiving the great & warm response by them.