RIYADH: As part of Republic Day celebrations, the Embassy of India in Riyadh will organize a musical concert “Shaam-e-Ghazal” by renowned Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas and his troupe at the International Indian School (Girls Section) auditorium at 7:30 P.M. on Feb. 2. Pankaj Udhas, popularly known as a velvet voiced singer, is one of the most famous Urdu Ghazal singers in India today. Starting with Aahat in (1980) until Yaara in (2007), he has more than 40 albums to his credit. Over the last thirty years, Udhas has contributed to popularizing various forms of Urdu poetry, such as Ghazals, Rubayees and Nazms (Geet) among non-Urdu audiences in India and abroad. His albums represent a unique amalgam of traditional rich music and lyrics which appeal to contemporary listeners. Udhas has also lent his voice to several popular songs for Hindi films. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Ghazals, several well-known institutions and organizations all over the world have conferred on Udhas a number of awards; the most prestigious among them the “Padma Shri” award which was presented to him by the President of India in March 2006. The program is for Indian nationals and invitation cards are available at the Indian Embassy, free of charge. Those interested should approach the embassy with valid Iqama copies along with their contact numbers (mobile/telephone) and collect their passes on Jan. 27 and 28 between 3 P.M. and 6 P.M. The cards will be issued on a “first-come-first-served” basis. Children below 12 years of age will not be permitted to attend. A maximum of four persons per application will be considered. Applications received by fax or email will not be entertained.
