Delhi launches year-long Rahi Masoom Raza centenary programme

The Maati Public Trust launched a year-long birth-centenary programme for writer and screenwriter Rahi Masoom Raza at PHD House in Delhi on August 1.

Artistes and speakers presented ghazals, shayari and recollections of Raza’s work in literature, music and cinema. Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali recited Raza’s ghazals and spoke about their years at Aligarh Muslim University and their collaboration on the 1986 film *Anjuman*.

Justice (retd) Vineet Saran described Raza’s dialogue for B.R. Chopra’s *Mahabharat* as work that made him a household name. Dancer Sonal Mansingh recalled the serial’s narrative, while author and poet Mamta Kalia discussed Raza’s portrayals of ordinary people in works including *Aadha Gaon* and *Os Ki Boond*.

Singer Noopur Sidhu Narayan performed Raza’s compositions, including “Chand Akela Jaye Sakhi Ri” and “Aai Ritu Sawan Ki”. The programme will continue over the next year.