I once took Pandit Hariprasadji’s autograph on a flute: Javed Akhtar

Renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar was recently felicitated with the Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Award at the 17th edition of the Bansuri Festival, held before a packed auditorium of music lovers. The honour, presented in the presence of the flute maestro himself, became one of the most memorable moments of the event. The festival featured performances by over 100 flautists, ranging in age from 8 to 80. Accepting the award, Akhtar spoke passionately about the importance of preserving India’s cultural foundations. “Our country has made great progress; however, people are gradually forgetting values, literature, music, mythology, and language. These are the elements that bind us together, and today they are needed more than ever,” he said.He further added, “Being here today, it feels as though the entire city is playing the flute. The flute is an instrument that connects us to our nation’s values and traditions.”Sharing a personal anecdote that drew warm applause, Akhtar said, “I once took Panditji’s autograph on a flute at a programme,” adding that the signed flute remains a treasured possession to this day.The two-day festival also featured performances by Shubha Mudgal, accompanied on tabla by maestro Aneesh Pradhan, as well as a vocal recital by Meeta Pandit.