(Exclusive) Rekha Bhardwaj: I learnt patience and resilience from Pankaj Udhas Ji at Khazana Festival
For over ten years singer
Rekha Bhardwaj
has been an integral part of the Khazana Festival that is now into its 24th year. This revered platform founded by Pankaj Udhas along with his friends Anup Jalota and Talat Aziz, has been celebrating the timeless art of ghazals.
Reflecting on her journey since 2015, Rekha Bhardwaj shares how the two-day festival that is all set to happen this weekend, has shaped her both as an artiste and a person, and how the values imparted by stalwarts like Pankaj Udhas have left a lasting impression.
At one of the rehearsalsls for theupcominging 'Khazana - a Festival of Gahzals'
'Maine itna kuch sikha hai yahan'
'I really learnt patience and resilience from Pankaj Udhas at Khazana Festival,' she reveals in an exclusive chat with Bombay Times.
She fondly recalls how Pankaj Ji would patiently listen to every performer, sitting in front with a smile, appreciating each performer wholeheartedly. ''Maine itna kuch sikha hai yahan. There are so many artists who perform, and we go through soundchecks, constantly wondering when it will be our turn to sing.
This waiting period is where patience is truly tested. He used to sing at the end of the show, sometimes starting at 2 or 2:15 am, and sing for an hour or more until the wee hours.
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Ekdum sukoon se sunte theyy gaana. There used to be complete peace at that time, and his demeanour taught me so much about resilience.'
Beyond music, the Kabira singer emphasizes the importance of the values and etiquettes—Sanskar—she has absorbed from the festival and its veterans. 'Khazana is not just about music, it's about these values that stay with you forever.'
'Mujhe Khazana hamesh ek badi joint family jaise lagti hai'
Describing Khazana as 'a big joint family,' the singer celebrates the camaraderie and encouragement that thrives on this unique stage.
' Mujhe Khazana hamesh ek badi joint family jaise lagti hai. There are so many singers and musicians who come here purely for the love of ghazals. We meet so many young talents who are great singers. And we encourage and appreciate other singers too. Jo taan Pratibha Singh Baghel lagatien hain woah mere se nahi nikalti.
'
The festival, Rekha Bhardwaj says, is a remarkable platform that goes beyond performance. 'Sitting on the Khazana stage and singing a ghazal is a different experience altogether.'
She credits the legendary founders for nurturing this musical tree: 'Pankaj Ji planted the seed, and with Anup Ji and Talat Ji, it grew into a plant. Now, it's a big tree that all of us are watering and caring for together, helping it grow so everyone can sit in its shade and enjoy, uske chaav mein baithke uska lutf le sakein.'
'Over the years I realized that I just want to be part of Khazana, in whatever capacity possible'
Looking ahead, the singer expresses her heartfelt desire to deepen her involvement with Khazana beyond just singing.
'I would love to do something regular with Khazana Festival, especially with the thalassaemic kids. Even half an hour or an hour spent with them, monthly or quarterly, would be so meaningful.'
She envisions engaging with these children through music and art journaling, bringing supplies and sharing creative moments. 'I want to be part of Khazana in whatever capacity possible. I may or may not sing every time, but I will definitely be present.'
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