Kaviraaj Shailendra, Delhi 10th May, 2013

Continuing our journey of celebrating poets, a new show on Shailendra, the acknowledged best Hindi film Lyricist, was staged in Delhi on 10th May, 2013 at the auditorium of Indian Institute of Mass Communication. 16 of his most poetic film songs were rendered by consummate singers; 1 accompanied by puppetry. There were also recitals in tarannum of mukhdas of over 50 of his most famous songs as also 3 of his best poems. The show was again scripted in conversational style. The event received an overwhelming appreciation.

Some messages received...

At the outset, I would like to tell you, that when you had invited me for the program on Shakeel sahab, I was a little apprehensive... I just kept thinking "Aisa kya kar lengey, jo doosre shows se judaa hogaa..." ??? It will be the same.... songs... a little speech about Shakeel sahab and nothing more... But what I saw, was something I had never imagined... I can easily say, it was the most unique presentation I had seen in my life... Since you people were showing interest in doing a program on my Late Father, from that day itself, I started imagining what that program could be like... But when I saw the script of the program on Shailendraji, I realised that it was very different from what I had imagined... and very very good too... The rest was all said by the way people responded at the function itself... I don't think, a single spectator went away disappointed... Right from the set, the script, the singing and the presentation, I would give the people concerned, full marks... I am proud and happy to be part of the Ibaadat Foundation and wish you all the success in your future ventures... As a film writer/director, I am always available should you need any kind of inputs for the future... Thank you on behalf of my family members and myself... I have no words. While rehearsals were on, couldn’t visualize the impact. Sat in the audience too in the interim and was so happy. Now I know what you guys in Ibaadat are doing. You did full justice to Baba…10/10. Script, songs, singers, puppetry, dialogues, incidents, anchoring…every thing was perfect. No one has even dared to think, forget about executing, such a novel presentation. Dinesh Shankar Shailendra (son of Shailendra)

The show was well conceived and executed. Fantastic. Powerful. Amazing. Made me so so emotional.. Never a better show, and never a better one on Baba. Fantastic research, superlative script, very good song selection, outstanding singers. The seamless script and flow was so pleasing. Time flew…could have sat for another two hours. You have to bring it to Dubai. Amla Shailendra Mazumdar (daughter of Shailendra)