What will the third edition, which returns after a pandemic and six years, be like? Azmi shares it will make up for all the lost time. The line-up is resplendent with a variety of presentations and will be kicked off by lyricist Javed Akhtar. A special feature of the two-day-long carnival is the re-release of Khirman — a collection of discourse by poet Muztar Khairabadi, Akhtar’s grandfather. Privy to the raconteur in Azmi, we ask if he is adding to the festival with his filmy anecdotes. “I will discuss my years of research on the Hindi film industry. I was born in Madanpura, and at times, I feel that I live at a confluence as sacred as that of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The place has witnessed the artistic contributions of writer Saadat Hasan Manto, producer-director Mehboob Khan, screenwriter Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, poet Jan Nisar Akhtar, among others. The literary get-together will shine a light on this rich past that waters our present.” His talk is titled Kuch Ilmi Kuch Filmy, Bhendi Bazaar Se.

A moment from a previous edition of the festival

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Since community gatherings are incomplete without music, the celebration will host Suhail Akhtar Warsi and Pooja Gaitonde. The duo will sing Sufi kalams. A photo exhibition showcasing candid moments from then mushairas, wherein film writers and lyricists met and chatted, also awaits attendees.

Azmi wishes for the current generations to spot the potential of their history. “The idea behind curating a festival such as this one was to carry on a legacy that we were naturally inducted into. If Urdu can enchant enthusiasts across cultures, why can’t it be the focal point of our literary engagements.”

On: February 25 and 26; 6 pm to 10 pm 
At: Imamwada Urdu Municipal School, Dongri. 
Call: 9322695208