Javed Akhtar and Pervaiz Alam come together at Jashn-e-Rekhta for a sharp, necessary conversation on the Urdu script debate, Rasm-ul-Khat, and the relationship between Hindi and Urdu.

Javed Akhtar begins with a clear argument. There is no problem with the Urdu script. The real confusion lies in mixing up script with language. Through examples from Punjabi, English, French and German, he explains how grammar, not script, defines a language.

He also challenges the idea that Urdu is foreign or belongs to one religion, while reflecting on Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam, everyday Hindustani vocabulary, Bollywood’s shrinking language, and the class snobbery around speaking one’s own language well.

The conversation also looks at Nastaliq, Devanagari and Roman scripts, the role of Rekhta in digital preservation, and the danger of losing access to literary heritage. The session closes with Javed Akhtar reciting his nazm “Zindagi.”

In this rare and intimate episode of Rekhta Rubaru, legendary Urdu poet Munawwar Rana sits down with Moid Rasheedi for a deeply personal conversation about identity, Partition, poetry, rebellion and the memories that shaped his voice.

Rana reflects on being Munawwar Ali before fame, his childhood as the son of a truck driver, and his father’s decision to stay in India after 1947 to protect the 500-year-old graves of their ancestors.

He shares moving stories of failure, labour, loss and dignity, including the day his father sent him to work after he failed 6th grade.

The conversation also explores his years in Kolkata during the Naxalite era, his rebellious phase, his return to family responsibilities, and the emotional force behind his most defining literary contribution. Bringing Maa to the centre of the Urdu ghazal.

A powerful episode on memory, language, belonging and the poet who changed the emotional vocabulary of Urdu poetry.

Experience the magic of a grand live Mushaira from Shaam-e-Rekhta Mumbai, hosted by the Rekhta Foundation.

Two of the greatest living legends of Urdu poetry, Javed Akhtar and Waseem Barelvi, come together on one stage for an unforgettable evening of ghazal, shayari and powerful poetic expression.

Javed Akhtar delivers deeply moving verses on integrity, self-respect, relationships and the many contradictions of life. His much-loved poem Shatranj stands out as a sharp metaphor for injustice, power and human vulnerability.

Waseem Barelvi brings his iconic lehja, emotional depth and timeless couplets on trust, survival, love and the art of living. His presence turns the evening into a memorable celebration of Urdu poetry.

The Mushaira also features Aslam Hasan, Charagh Sharma, Pooja Bhatia, Madan Mohan Danish, Vijendra Singh Parwaz, Rajesh Reddy and Shamim Abbas. Together, they bring poems on love, memory, society, humour, pain and the everyday emotions that connect us all.

Listen to this complete Grand Mushaira from Shaam-e-Rekhta Mumbai and relive an evening where every strong line finds its echo in the audience.

Featured Poets:
Javed Akhtar, Waseem Barelvi, Aslam Hasan, Charagh Sharma, Pooja Bhatia, Madan Mohan Danish, Vijendra Singh Parwaz, Rajesh Reddy and Shamim Abbas.