Jashn-e-Rekhta

It was my first time seeing celebrities with my own eyes at an event.(15th dec 2024)

Jashn-e-Rekhta, a three-day festival celebrating the Urdu language, brings together pioneers of Urdu literature, film stars, poets, and singers to share their talents and interact with the audience.

I saw Javed Akhtar saheb, and the moment I laid eyes on him, it hit me—celebrities do exist beyond the screen.

I also got to see Ustad Arshad Khan, the renowned esraj player, performing on the Mehfil Khana stage. Since I’ve always been fond of the esraj, it was heartwarming to watch him play live.

As the day went on and one celebrity after another graced the stage, there came a moment when I couldn’t focus on them anymore—because all I could think about was being up there myself. The feeling was overwhelming: 

Why not me?

I took a deep breath, calmed myself, and told myself: 

The next one is mine.