Akhtar called to Parliament

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Posted: 17 years ago

Akhtar called to Parliament
By: Upala KBR
August 14, 2007

To recite a Hindi poem celebrating 60 years of Indian Independence, with Shabani Azmi reciting the English translation

An ode to indians: Javed Akhtar

This is an extremely prestigious event for Javed Akhtar and wife Shabana Azmi.

On August 15, the writer will recite a poem he has specially written in honour of 60 years of Indian Independence in Parliament.

Shabana will then recite the same poem in English, followed by a rendition by Pandit Jasraj, who will sing Aadhi raat ka suraj (also written by Akhtar).

Rare privilege

Says Azmi, "We feel privileged to be part of such a historic event. It was earlier supposed to be held at the stroke of midnight on August 14, but that got cancelled.

I get gooseflesh thinking about how I will recite on that day; I don't know how it's going to go. The Parliament holds great sanctity for me. There can be no bigger gift for me than reciting my husband's poetry there."

Adds Javed Akhtar, "A month ago, I got a call from the Speaker's office. Somnath Chatterji wanted me to recite a poem in Parliament on the 60th anniversary of Indian Independence.

I then composed a poem especially for this occasion. I feel extremely honoured, yet nervous about reciting it in front of all those who matter for the country and nation."

Talking about the poem, Akhtar says it talks about the achievements Indians have made in the last 60 years. "We've achieved this because of the constitution of India.

It has given us a democracy and a political system that might have its shortfalls but it cannot be challenged. Parties may come and parties may go, but democracy will stay forever," he adds.

Traditional tribute

When quizzed about what he will wear for the occasion, he grins, "Shabana has decided that. If you were married, you wouldn't be asking me this. You will have to ask Shabana!"

Shabana laughs, saying, "i always decide for him because he has no idea. Javed will wear a white kurta and pajama, while I will wear a family heirloom belonging to my mother. It's a shocking pink and green sari that's almost 60 years old." Quite a fitting ensemble, don't you think?