Every year, the biggest of names from the Indian music fraternity come together for Khazana, a two-decade-old ghazal festival that raises funds for those suffering from cancer and thalassemia. Since this year has been tough for the entire country, including the cultural and art fraternity, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers of the celebrated ghazal festival decided to tide over the restrictions and go virtual.
So, music aficionados across the world can see their favourite musicians take the stage on December 19 and 20, from 8 pm onwards, on the digital platform, Hungama. This year, Khazana will feature icons like Pankaj Udhas, Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz, Sudeep Banerjee and Pandit Ajay Pohankar and Abhijit Pohankar. Celebrated musicians like Mahalaxmi Iyer, Pooja Gaitonde, Pratibha Singh Baghel, Deepak Pandit and young talent Sneha Shankar are also part of the coveted line-up.
There will be a special act by the Samarpan band, featuring singer Prithvi Gandharv and Gayatri Asokan. The program will also have performances by the Khazana Talent Hunt Winners – Ritwika Mukherjee from Chakradharpur (Jharkhand) and Atul Rao from Jaipur (Rajasthan).
A source says, “All proceeds in terms of donations will go to the charities to help the treatment of thalassemic children and cancer patients . Since the live show was not possible, it was recorded in a grand manner recently and will be presented before the connoisseurs of music online. This is not a ticketed event and can be watched by all viewers across the world.”
Talking about the festival, Pankaj Udhas, celebrated ghazal singer and President of the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust (PATUT), says, “I thank all the artistes, sponsors and the audience for their full- hearted support. I am confident that despite the restrictions, this year’s Khazana will also be a resounding success. Every year, close to 10,000 children with Thalassaemia major are born in India, which constitutes 10% of the total number in the world and we work towards helping them in the best possible manner.”
YK Sapru, founder chairman, Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), says, “Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, cancer did not stop and nor did CPAA’s aid and support to cancer patients. We hope the wonderful virtual audience of Khazana will continue to support our commitment to help cancer patients by donating generously.”
The concert can be enjoyed on Hungama Music Facebook page, Hungama Play Facebook page and Pankaj Udhas’ official Facebook page.
Ms. Soumya Vajpayee
Senior Entertainment & Lifestyle Journalist
