With its newly-launched singing reality show 'Jashn-e-Begum Akhtar', state-owned channel DD Urdu is aiming to revive ghazal singing among youth.
'Jashn-e-Begum Akhtar', a talent hunt to commemorate the centenary year of renowned singer Begum Aktar, will see its five finalists who will perform in front of singers Kavita Krishnamurthi, Hari Haran, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain besides lyricists Gulzar and Javed Akhtar in March.
Wasim Barelvi, who is one of the jury members of the show, said the reality contest is first of its kind in India and aims to revive ghazal singing.
"Ghazal has the power to connect hearts and in today's time such kind of art form is a necessity. We should not forget it. I am happy that DD is working towards reviving the art form and these young participants are equally excited about it," Barelvi said told the media.
The regional rounds of the competition were held at five regional centres of the channel -- Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Delhi and Mumbai.
Participants in the age group of 18 to 40 years are eligible to participate in the reality show. Singers from various regions were auditioned by panel of judges -- Shanno Khurrana, Shovana Narayan, Rahat Indori and Barelvi.
"It has been a great effort by DD to give a platform to Indian classical music. I was really shocked when I heard about the concept first time. But after meeting these enthusiastic contestants, I am completely impressed by their talents," Shanno said.
Kathak danseuse Shovana felt there should be more of such shows, which revive traditional art forms.
"DD has always been known for its rich content. We all have grown watching DD programs. These are programs of content. Reality shows like these should be more. Ghazal has a deep philosophy in every piece," she added.
Apart from the reality show, DD Urdu also presented a glimpse of its other shows like 'Yeh Hai India', Yeh Ishq Nhi Aasan', 'Abbu Kahan Hain' among others.
