It was fantastic!!! We thoroughly enjoyed the program. A very well designed program with very rich content. Soon you will have to organize it in a large stadium due to its popularity!!! Badri Agarwal
The programme was marvellous and really heart touching specially in the field of management. Many many thanks for inviting. G.C.Agarwal, Ex.Sr.Prosecuting Officer
As usual the research and effort put in by you was clearly visible in the entire programme. My mother in law and father in law were overwhelmed by the programme and the way you structured it since this was their first. They are already asking me when is next. My congratulations to you on this beautifully scripted programme. Vineet Aggarwal
The show took my breath away - aesthetic presentation and 'Neeraj's presence and delivery electrifying. It brought back an old favorite memory - listening to 'Neeraj' recite Ae bhai zara ... in tarannum, at the DCM Officers' Club, as a girl of maybe 14. The film was not out at the time and people loved it even without the association of Manna Dey and Raj Kapoor. Family entertainment included kavi sammelans in those days ... hard to imagine now. Cannot thank your team enough for this opportunity to go down memory and melody lane and listening to heartwarming compositions like Aaj ki raat badi ... You must be flooded with post-event applause. I wish you the very best in all your endeavors in the future. Please let me know if there is any way I can be of assistance. Anjali Alexander
The show was fabulous. Loved every moment of it. The passion, commitment and hard work of the team shows through clearly. Your shows are different from any other music shows I have ever attended. There is always a surprise element. You don't know what will come next. Very creative. The quality of singers is excellent and there was also a fun element. Neeraj ji coming was icing on the cake. The presence of his sons added such a wonderful personal touch. The sets were beautiful. The dances were very graceful. All in all a very memorable experience. Nira Anand, Sr.Human Resources Business Partner, East Asia & Pacific and South Asia HR Team, World Bank Group
We enjoyed the show immensely! Can’t think of any improvements honestly. Some favourite parts were: Zamaane dhatt tere ki, Neeraj himself of course, and the sons’ participation! Wishing you the very best with your future shows - it’s a wonderful initiative. Shweta Anand Arora
The programme was very well done. Lot of research had gone into it.
The selection of singers was appropriate. Cheers for holding the event at Kamani. Vinay Bagla, Orient Packagings Ltd.
I keep attending such melodious functions and all I have to say is that it was one of the best programmes. I have ever attended. आप के प्रोग्राम में भारत की मिट्टी की पुरज़ोर खुशबू थी . प्रोग्राम खतम हो गया वर्ना हम उठने वाले नहीं थे. Nirantar Neeraj a program which had everything… Neeraj’s poetry being recited, being sung with dance, sufi touch & above all a great mesmerizing surprise…Neeraj himself & we were all on cloud 9. Ever yet a great poet at the same time being a profound philosopher… thanks to the organizers. God bless you all & Neerajsaheb. Capt. Lakhinder Singh Bahl(& Madhu)
It was indeed a treat to hear and see in person Neeraj ji! You could do that was in itself a miracle! The programme was very wholesome in providing an aura of the times, the filmi duniya and the great architects of Indian Cinema bringing in a confluence of heady sur and tal with silky verse. You really along with your team enrich us with a world gone-by, it is a heritage that we need to restore in a more meaningful way and you are able to do that. Dr. Gita Bamezai, Professor Gita Bamezai, Head, Department of Communication Research, Indian Institute of Mass Communication
1. Excellent way to starting the show at time and ending within the stipulated time. 2. Keeping the suspense regarding the appearance of Neeraj was really commendable. 3. I wish there were more songs. 4. Indeed excellent work by you trio Naveen, Sangeeta and Prithvi. Ramesh Bangia
Naveen…btw your half a verse of prem ke pujari was the best song of the evening. Wish you had sung the full song. Aarzoo Bedi who is otherwise not such a fan of music of the sixties made a similar comment instinctively. That was the Burman magic.Preet K.S.Bedi
It was a memorable evening yesterday…the mesmerizing rendition of poetry, the superlative presentation and above all the greatest sincerity of all organizers made it a class apart. Many thanks. Garima Bhagat, Addl. Commissioner-Income Tax
This is to say thanks for a lovely evening on Friday. I enjoyed the format and content.Ashok Bhandari
बड़ा मज़ा आया Chitra Bhandari
I am grateful to you for organizing such an enjoyable evening. Presenting Neeraj on stage was a coup! Brij Mohan Bhardwaj
A beautiful depiction of the life of the Great Neeraj, from his childhood to struggling days to his fame. Great blend of prose, poetry and humor. The songs that Neeraj wrote were sung by fantastic singers and some were also danced on by a graceful dancer. The evening was resonating of 'a bygone era'. It was compiled beautifully, with music, dance, poetry and history. Honouring such a great and humble legend was done very well by Ibaadat team. It was food for the music poetry lovers’ soul. All in all, a memorable, melodious evening. Many thanks for your invitation. My family and I had a great time. Lalit Bhasin, Managing Partner, Bhasin & Co.
I do not have words to describe my experience. The programme was very well scripted and flawlessly executed. The singers were of excellent quality, great choice of songs, the guy who sang Aa jaao was simply superb. Presence of Neeraj himself brought out a torrent of emotions. The last i had met him was in 1975 at a kavi sammelan at IITD where I was involved in serving liquor. Bravo. My heartiest congratulations. Ashok K.Bhatia
Soul stirring evening......and listening to Kavi Neeraj himself was an exhilarating experience.........thank you for the wonderful evening! Sujata Bhatia
The programme was outstanding. I extend my whole hearted support to Ibaadat. It is a great initiative and kudos to you and to your colleagues. Arun Bhatnagar, Commissioner, Income Tax Department
Kudos to you and your colleagues for organizing such a delightful evening. It was a very well executed program with beautiful combination of dance, songs, conversations and heart rendering poetry by Shri Neeraj himself. All the participants were outstanding. It was a perfect program. God bless you and Ibaadat, and may Ibaadat become Nirantar Ibaadat. S.B.Bomb, Vice President (Marketing), Reliance Chemotex Industries Ltd.
Thanks for giving us this wonderful opportunity. We have really enjoyed the show and will always be looking forward to contribute our best efforts for future events. Ashish Chadha, Corporate Affairs – CCU, Nucleus Software Exports Ltd.
You guys have finally hit the magic potion and hitch free, you sailed.
Yet another successful show reaffirming the Hallmark of Ibaadat. Congratulations! Team effort showed and the show was near flawless. Singers were as usual in their best form. Newer elements introduced were a successful novelty, the medley well received. Poetry reading by Shashank was superb. But the sheer presence of Neeraj stole your thunder. He still roars. Our best wishes for more successes. .......and thanks for inviting us over. Congratulations...this was your pinnacle! Bimal Chadha (& Veena)
We thoroughly enjoyed the show. Lalit K.Chandak, President, SPAN Telecom Pvt.Ltd.
Nirantar Neeraj was well conceived and professionally executed. Neeraj's poetry is associated with genuine expression of love with incisive frankness. People's poet par excellence. Songs choice and arrangement was perfect. The ambience produced was that of a drawing room where every one was participative. Suggestion for next venture could be Gulzar's poetry. Arun Chaudhary (& Alka)
It was truly a great show to pull off a long program is very challenging it was well done congratulations to you, Prithvi, Sangeeta and the team. Subroto Chattopadhyay, Chairman, Peninsula Studio
The program was wonderful. Thank you for the efforts Ibaadat had put into doing the research and bringing the big and small moments of Neeraj ji’s life and most of all for making us a part of his journey! Singers were very good, though some more of his old songs could have been added!! Bringing Neeraj ji on the stage towards the end when we least expected him to be there, was the best part of the show and listening to him rendering his poetry in his unique style was an unmatchable experience! A big thanks to you and your team. Alpana Chaturvedi, General Manager-Training & Service Delivery, Global Aviation Services Pvt.Ltd.
Thanks for such a wonderful time. Madhukant Chaturvedi
It was wonderful to witness the musical evening regarding Neeraj. It is amazing as to how much research you do before bringing out a show. The Mansingh bandit episode was funny! Congratulations again on a houseful (and more) audience. Nadira Chaturvedi and Mansi
An excellent programme. Must say it was very well organized, planned and seamlessely coordinated. We really enjoyed ourselves specially the final culmination by Sapna where the main protagonist Neeraj was brought in. Thank you to you and to your team for giving us an awesome evening and we look forward to another edition from your creative team. Sushant Chaturvedi, Vice President-Equity Capital Market, Avendus Capital Pvt.Ltd.
First of all, kindly accept my heartiest congratulation for putting up such a marvelous show and giving us an opportunity to witness the Great Neeraj. Everything just seemed to be perfect rather for me and my husband the whole show was mesmerizing, inspirational and nostalgic. Accept our thanks for providing us an opportunity to be part of this event. Geetu Dahiya, Head- Service Experience, Max Healthcare Institute Ltd.
What a heart-breakingly lovely and memorable evening! Dr. Lalit Dar, Professor-Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Attending the Nirantar Neeraj programme revived old memories of our college days. Superb production, as always. Subrata K.Dash, Commissioner of Income Tax, Income Tax Department
Yesterday's programme at Kamani auditorium was soul stirring. It was perfect in every way. Bharati Dave
Thanks are only due to you for enhancing our lives through Ibaadat- what a magnificent service both to the great poets/lyricists of our culture and to all of us who get acquainted with these great legends and their body of work through a beautiful evening spent in such an uplifting and enriching atmosphere-truly a win-win situation all the way!! Would you believe that when I came to the show last evening and even when I sent you that thank you massage first thing this morning I had no idea what the word Ibaadat meant or what the vision of the foundation was yet this was that came across to me all of last evening-the spirit of devotion, respect and service to the legend and the very graceful presentation of his life, spirit and work!!! In other words, you did full justice to the name and the vision of Ibaadat! Sorry for the long sermon but you moved me-in this world full of people living a vegetable existence it is gratifying to find persons like you devoting their energy to a higher cause. Thanks for inviting us for a beautiful show last night. Right from the theme Nirantar Neeraj to the relaxed conversational style to the choice of songs/quality of singers to the very graceful dancer to your own melodious singing and lastly to the mark of respect and tribute shown to Neeraj by inviting him personally at the age of 90…the whole show bespoke highly of the dedication passion, grace and culture of the organizers/Trustees of Ibaadat Foundation! I felt privileged to be a part of such an evening. Thank you once again and may God bless all your future endeavours. Rajul Deshpande
It was a very engaging event and I could see your meticulous planning throughout. I could not understand some of the stuff (though I got the drift) but my friend, a preventive cardiologist at Escorts Hospital (now Fortis) enjoyed it thoroughly (as did I despite my difficulty with chaste Hindi). Vivian Fernandes, Editor, CNBC
I would like to divide our experience into two parts. The first ‘half’ of the show conformed to the very high standards set by Ibaadat. Technically, it was brilliant. It was exceptional in production quality and the content, song selection and singing was top class. The second part, triggered by the arrival of Neeraj was well “ mind-blowing”. I am choosing my words carefully and mean what I write. I frankly do not remember any other show where one could actually feel the energy in the hall. I actually got goose bumps listening Neeraj ji. The day after, I actually felt that we had been through a surreal experience, the evening before. What a show? Thank you for giving us chance to hear this great poet. Purinder Ganju
Thanks for such a wonderful & entertaining evening. It was a rare occasion to listen live a great poet as Neeraj. Vivek Gautam, Associate Director, SPA Capital Advisors Ltd.
The show was amazing and well formatted. We wish you all the best for your future endeavours. Vipin Gawri
Enjoyed myself. It was great to hear Neeraj ji live. Thank you so much. Can you please keep me on your list and inform me of all your programs. Sujata Goenka
Congratulations for putting such a wonderful show together, got chance to hear him live after 48 or 49 years. Kept listing his songs after coming back. Anoop Gupta, Proprietor, Ambrosia Jewelry
The evening was awesome. I come and attend these evenings and admire the effort and dedication that you and your entire team has…it was wonderful. Thanks. Archana Gupta (wife of Akhil Gupta)
Thanks for the lovely, wonderful evening. And you were great on stage. Avantika Gupta
The event's conceptualisation and to present Respected Neeraj ji in person speaks of the great efforts and the vision you have in your personality. The entire presentation has all the praises. I am willing to join your organisation in any capacity you feel like. Chandra Shekhar Gupta, Director, M/s Goojar Mal Ganpat Rai (GMGR)
It was MARVELLOUS! Neeraj was absolutely fantastic!! What memory!!! Overall 9.5/10.Pradeep Gupta, Managing Director & Publisher, Cyber Media (India) Ltd.
A lovely evening. It is a rare privilege to be a part of an event that had such high energy and such beautiful music. Well organised and wonderful to be there. Monika Halan, Editor, Mint ( Money)
Mridula and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was of much emotional value to me as I was his student at Meerut College. The story mentioned by his son was true as it happened when he was teaching at Meerut College. In fact I was present when the EC took this decision. Hope for more such programmes in future. Yogesh C.Halan , Author & Editor
It was a fantastic programme. Good things: length was perfect, good mix of poetry and music; Neerajji's son ( Shashank) did a great job, and having Neerajji himself there.Pooja Haldea, Managing Director, Brainjuicer.com
It was so mesmerising that we did not even try to stir into our seats. Dances, songs and poetries recitation were captivating. Being part of the audience listening recitation of poems by legendary Neeraj was a dream come true. Frankly, we wanted this program to go on and on when Neeraj ji was at the stage. It was a rude shock when the announcement about ending of program was made. We were jolted out of our stupor. If possible, frequency of programs by "Ibaadat" needs to be increased. Members at the entrance were very courteous and helpful in guiding. We got stuck up in the maddening traffic and were delayed by about two minutes but felt bad to have missed out those few minutes of such an interesting and enthralling program. Next time will try to be at least 15 minutes in advance. Avinash Haldia (& Sunita)
This really was one of your best programs. The roll out was very good. What you chose to fill it with (the content) was perfect. How the performance communicated and helped the audience relate to Neeraj's life was excellent. The artists were good quality - both the narration and the music. The dress was very appropriate. I am ashamed to admit that I am rather ignorant about the Indian artistic world. I did not know of Neeraj and I did not know his works. When I heard the old music (which was familiar), I was amazed by the fact that the person who wrote those songs is alive and living among us. I was very happy to become aware of his work, and I was blessed to be able to see him. I think a big percentage of Indians are like me. I think Indians need to be a lot more aware of the richness of their culture, if they are to become proud of their country. I think the younger generation should be encouraged to take interest in this. You are doing a lot for that. The contribution that you are making in this, and the service you are doing to Indian culture, deserves a great deal of praise. Keep going. Binoy Jacob, Director, Triune Energy Services Pvt. Ltd.
Innovative concept....elegant ambience.....perfect execution....selective shaayari....superb songs....and mesmerizing singing!! Neeraj Saab’s renditions were spectacular…..I feel privileged to be a part of such a delightful evening. Long live the Legend!!! Ajay Jain, Managing Partner, Jurisprudent Consulting
The show and the entire presentation was excellent. You yourself were very good. I can hardly comment or give any suggestions because all your programmes are par excellence. Keep it up. Ajay K.Jain
Excellent show. Thanks for inviting us. Hope we continue to receive your invites in future as well. N.K.Jain, Group Vice President & CFO, DCM Shriram Industries Ltd.
We both really enjoyed the Nirantar Neeraj Show. It was well organised and at the end, hearing Neerajji himself at this age was our life time experience. Parmod Jain
Enjoyed the event thoroughly. Dr. Peeyush Jain, Cardiologist, Fortis
It really was an awesome experience attending the event. And Neeraj ji’s personal presence towards the end was really a treat. Compliments to you and Ibaadat for pulling such a nice event!! Prashant Jain, Director, Pathways School
Programme was fantastic and enjoyed a lot. Rajesh Jain, Chief Finance Officer, Pathways School
“Niranter Neeraj” was a fabulous programme. Thanks for organizing such a wonderful musical show. It was not merely a programme, but a great thought brought to stage. I have shared my experiences with my readers through my article about the event. This story got a good impact in the national media. I am sending below the story and a link of that story. Sunil Jain, Consultant-VNI (Web Duniya)
नयी दिल्ली 27 जुलाई रात्रि का निःशब्द अंधकार, कवि नीरज मुरैना मध्यप्रदेश मे एक कवि सम्मेलन मे कविता पाठ कर लौट रहे थे ,तभी डाकू मान सिंह के गिरोह ने उनका अपहरण कर लिया, डाकू मान सिंह के सामने पेश किये जाने पर उसने पूछा 'क्या काम धंधा करते हो?'नीरज ने बिना भयभीत हुए सपाट् लहज़े मे कहा 'कवि हूँ','तो सुनायो कविता!' फिर शुरू हुआ बीहड़ जंगल मे नीरज का कविता पाठ.. मान सिंह और उसका गिरोह दम साधे कविता पाठ सुनते रहे, उनकी कविताओं से वे सब इस क़्दर प्रभावित हुए कि जिस शख्स यानि नीरज को फिरौती की आस मे पकड़ा था उसे डाकू मान सिंह ने खुद ही बाइज़्ज़त उनके घर पहुँचवाया वह भी दक्षिणा देकर. नीरज के बारे मे ऐसा ही एक और अनजाना सा किस्सा- क्या आप जानते है, अमिताभ बच्चन कि तरह कवि नीरज ने भी पायी है श्री हरिवन्श राय बच्चन से प्रसिद्धी कि विरासत. एक बार जब नीरज जी हरिवंश राय 'बच्चन' जी के साथ बस से यात्रा कर रहे थे तब बस में नीरज जी को बैठने के लिये जगह नही मिली । ये देखकर बच्चन' ने आग्रह करके उन्हें अपनी गोद में बैठ जाने के लिए कहा । हरिवंश जी की गोद में बैठने पर नीरज जी ने हँसते हुए कहा ' आप मुझे गोद तो ले रहे है , पर आपको मुझे अपनी प्रसिद्धी मे भी हि्स्सा देना होगा' । इस पर हँसते हुए बच्चन जी ने आशिर्वाद की मुद्रा मे हाथ उठा दिया. शायद अन्तर्मन से निकले इस आशीर्वाद ने नीरज को 'निरंतर नीरज' बनाया भी । यूं भी गोपालदास नीरज अपने कवि बनने में बड़ा योगदान श्री हरिवंश ‘बच्चन’ की कविता ‘निशा निमन्त्रण’ को ही मानते हैं। कविता पढ़ने के बाद उनका मन भी कविता करने को किया और शुरु हुई एक संवेदनशील किशोर मन की कविता यात्रा और जो आज है' निरन्तर नीरज '
राजधानी की साँस्कृतिक संस्था 'इबादत फाउंडेशन' द्वारा गत रात्री पद्म भू्षण कवि नीरज को समर्पित् 'निरंतर नीरज' कार्यक्रम मे नीरज के कविता पाठ के साथ साथ नीरज से जुड़े ऐसे कितने ही अनसुने किस्से सुनाये गये, समारोह मे 90 वर्ष से ज़्यादा की उम्र मे भी विलक्षण स्मरणशक्ति के धनी वाले नीरज ने जब'कारवाँ गुज़र गया ग़ुबार देखते रहे' सुनाया तो नीरज प्रेमियों और रसिकों की तालियों की गड्गडाहट से देर तक हौल गूँजता रहा. समारोह मे न्यास के अध्यक्ष पृथ्वी हल्दिया व नीरज जी के पुत्र श्री शशाँक व मृगाँक ने ये तमाम यादें साँझी की|
कार्यक्रम मे नीरज के कविता पाठ के साथ साथ उनसे जुडे संस्मरण ,उनकी कविताओं , दोहों ,गजलों ,रचनाओं ,फ़िल्मी गीतो का अद्भुत मेल था !पृष्ठभूमि में नीरज के पुराने चित्र , अन्य कविता पाठ ,फ़िल्मी गीत स्लाईड्स के माध्यम से दिखाए जा रहे थे ! कार्यक्रम मे नीरज जब व्हील चेयर से सोफे पर आकर बैठे तो शुरू हुईं नीरज द्वारा साँझा की गयी यादों की झडी्सी लग गयी..श्री हल्दिया, नीरज के दोनों पुत्र शशाँक और मृगाँक एक के बाद एक उनके संस्मरण सुना रहे थे, नीरज चुपचाप सुनते और बीच मे हल्के हल्के मुसकरा देते, कैसे एस डी बर्मन ने उन्हे फिल्म प्रेम पुजारी के लिये एक गर्भवती महिला के मनोभाव लिखने को कहा और नीरज ने फौरन ही महिला मन के नाज़ुक से जज़्बातों को पिरो डाला फिल्म प्रेम पुजारी के इस गीत मे 'जीवन की बगिया महकेगी, लहकेगी ,चह्केगी,खुशियों की कलियाँ झूमेंगी, झूलेंगी, फूलेंगी...' फिल्मी दुनिया मे एक के बाद एक उन्हे कामयाबी मिलती जा रही थी लेकिन एस डी बर्मन, शंकर जयकिशन जैसे कितने ही साथी दुनिया से विदा हो रहे थे , फिल्मी गानों की भाषा बदल रही थी , उन्हे सुझाव दिया गया फिल्मो की धुनो पर गीत लिखिये, लेकिन नीरज को वह पूरा माहॉल रास नही आ रहा था बम्बई की ज़िन्दगी से उनका जी उचट गया था और वे अखिररकार फिल्मी नगरी को अलविदा कहकर वापस अपने घर अलीगढ़ लौट आए । तब से आज तक वहीं रहकर स्वतन्त्र कवि के रूप में कविताए, गीत लिख रहे है सुना रहे है. कभी 'भावुक ' उपनाम से अपना कवि जीवन शुरु करने वाले नीरज शायद है ही इतने भावुक...
नीरज का कविता पाठ जारी है 'नींद भी खुली न थी कि हाय धूप ढल गयी, पाँव जब तलक उठे कि ज़िन्दगी फिसल गयी, पात पात झर गये कि शाख शाख जल गयी , चाह तो निकल सकी न पर उमर निकल गयी, लुट गये सिंगार सभी बाग के बबूल से और हम खड़े खड़े बहार देखते रहे, कारवां गज़र गया बहार देखते रहे...हॉल मे सन्नटा है पर उनकी आ्वाज़ गूंज रही है, ज़िन्दगी के सफर की शुरूआत नीरज ने बेहद अभावों से की, नदी मे कूद कर सिक्के बीनने से ताँगा चलाने, दुकान पर नौकरी,टाईपिस्ट की नौकरी के सभी अनुभवो ने उनकी संवेदनायों को और गहरा किया
समारोह चल रहा था ,रसिक मंत्रमुग्ध होकर सुन रहे थे, नीरज सुना रहे थे 'बंसी से बंदूक बना दे, हम वो प्रेम पुजारी'.., जज्बात लोगो के दिलों को छू रहे थे लोग समवेत स्वर मे उनके साथ गा रहे थे, आधा घंटे तक नीरज के कविता पाठ के बाद आयोजक श्री हल्दिया कहते है'अब नीरज जी को आराम करना है, उनके कविता पाठ को यहीं विराम देना होगा, एक हल्की सी मुस्कराहट के साथ नीरज कहते हैं ' नहीं! जब तक श्रोता चाहेंगे, मै कविता पाठ करता रहूंगा, हॉल तालिओं से गूंज उठता है , निरंतर नीरज शायद यही है, १५ मिनट तक कविता पाठ और चलता है, मृत्यु छंद का कविता पाठ होते ही माहोल एक बार फिर भावुक हो जाता है, 155 छंदों का मृत्यु का ऐसा चित्रण कि मन वैरागी हो जाये... नीरज गा रहे हैं ' अब तो मज़हब कोई ऐसा चलाया जाये, इन्सान को इन्सान बनाया जाये'... हॉल मे खामोशी है, शायद इन्सान के इन्सान बनने का सोच चल रहा है...
समारोह अब खत्म हो गया है , नीरज कुछ को आशीर्वाद, कुछ को ऑटोग्राफ दे रहे हैं, उनके आस पास लोगो का हुजूम है, नीरज का कारवाँ निरंतर चल रहा है , कुछ पीछे छूटा, कुछ साथ चला पर नीरज का कारवाँ निरंतर चल रहा है . hindi.webdunia.com/.../फिरौती-की-बजाय-डाकू-मानसिंह-ने-दी-नीरज-को-दक्षिणा-1140727052_1.htm
Thank you for this amazing, almost heavenly experience. I can say, without hesitation that this has been your best show, to date. Congratulations for this brilliant and heart warming presentation!! You have raised the bar:)) Neeta Jalan
Thank you very much for inviting Vinita and myself to the 'Nirantar Neeraj 'show. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. The research that you all put in, enormous as it was, was undoubtedly worth it because the show was par excellence.What we particularly liked was the fact that both of you, along with Sangeeta, kept moving from one set of seats to another, thus breaking the monotony of a constant stage. Also, the gentleman reciting the poems from one corner, was a class unto himself! He truly put his heart and soul into the recitations. All in all, a tremendous show indeed. May the Almighty Lord grant you more strength to conduct many such shows! Sanjeev Jawahar
Congrats to the team for putting together a memorable evening. Neeraj was just out of the world! What reflexes; what mental agility and above all what memory at 90! Thanks for the life-time experience. Jaishri Jethwaney, Professor, Indian Institute of Mass Communication
A superb musical evening. Looking forward for more of melodious evenings. Rachna Jhalani (& Vijay)
Thanks for inviting us and giving us a chance for having such a beautiful evening. The opportunity to hear Neeraj ji live could happen only because of Ibaadat. Alka Jhamb
Your show was informative as well as entertaining. Format was innovative and most of singing was professional. This has been a far improved show than your earlier shows. Keep it up. You are doing a great job. Hem Kant Joshi, Director, Pioneer Consulting Engineers (P) Ltd.
The best I have seen so far...wonderful experience...fantastic effort. Lekha Joshi
I introduce myself as am an office bearer of GraFTII North and on Managing Committee of GraFTII, Mumbai (both alumni bodies of Graduates of Film and Television Institute of India, Pune). It was a pleasure to attend the celebration of Neeraj, Hindi films lyricist and poet. While greatly moved by the dedicated inspiring poetic talent of Neeraj ji, one can also admire the music directors of the day, for tuning some of his difficult poetic compositions. It is not easy to tune a number such as this one from the black and white era film Cha Cha Cha music direction: Iqbal Qureshi: .. . .Yeh Kaun sa mukaam hai, ki falak nahin, zameen nahin, ki shab nahin, seher nahin, ki gham nahin, khushi nahin; kahaan yeh leke aa gayee hawa tere dayar ki, Or his philosphical imagery in the immortal poem used in Nayi Umar Ki Nayi Fasal:‘ Maang bhar chali ki ek jab nayi nayi kiran, dholakein dhunuk utheen, thumak utthe charan-charan; Shor mach gaya ki lo chali dulhan chali dulhan; Gaaon sab umadd padha behek utthe Nayan-nayan; Par tabhi zeher bhari, Gaaj ek wah giri, Poonch gaya sindoor, taar taar hui chunri; aur hum anjaan se, door ke makaan se, Paalki liye hue kahaar dekhte rahe; karvaan guzar gaya, gubaar dekhte rahe...I was also very impressed with the Padma Bhushan awardee, who despite his ninety and half years recited in a surprisingly resounding voice, quality poetry which had something to reflect upon, perhaps by many amongst us: . . . Neend Bhi Khuli Na Thi Ki Hai Dhoop Dhal Gayi, Paon Jab Talak Uthe Ki Zindagi Fisal Gayi, Paat-Paat Jhadd Gaye Ki Shaakh-Shaakh Jal Gayi, Chaah To Nikal Saki Na, Par Umar Nikal Gayi. Aur Hum Khade-Khade Bahaar Dekhte Rahe, Kaarvan Guzar Gaya, Gubaar Dekhte Rahe Kaarvan Guzar Gaya, Gubaar Dekhte Rahe. . .I also have a suggestion to make. For lyricists such as Neeraj, Sahir who wrote such rich words, playing of music accompaniments while singers are singing if kept minimal, may have a better impact. Just try it in out in a rehearsal. Thanking you once again for the pleasure of the evening.Rajeev Kamal, Vice President, GraFTII North, (alumni body of Film and Television Institute of India) New Delhi
Congratulations to all of you. Dr.Kamal Kant
It was indeed a great show. Congratulations for organizing such a nice show. Dr.Suresh Kant, Editor, Hind Pocket Books
The show was very well organized. Kudos to the entire organizing team!! Neeraj ji's own participation was an excellent touch. Sanjay Kapoor, S. Kapoor & Associates (& Katika)
It was one of the best planned programs in our series not to undermine the earlier ones. We have to salute the entire Ibadaat team on the hard work, passion and dedication with which they organise and anchor these programs. Amazing you all are.
क्या कहें खुश नसीब हैं हम
दोस्त आप जैसे मिल गये
तो खुदा से और मांगे क्या
कुछ हसीन लम्हे जो आप
हम सब के झोली मैं डाल देते हैं
कर्ज़दार बन गये हैं हम उम्र भर के लिये..
If it's not written properly please excuse me. But more important is the intent in our thanks we are conveying . God bless the entire Ibaadat team. Yogesh Kapur, Managing Director-Investment Banking (North India), Axis Capital Ltd.
It was wonderful to hear Neeraj@90. Very well organised event. Brij Kaul, Director, Pratham
The show was absolutely wonderful. What a nice way to pass an evening. I hope we get many more shows like this from Ibaadat. Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director, FE Securities Pvt.Ltd.
Everything was just outstanding. Just give us some more such shows on different hues of a human life .Thank you so much for all your efforts. Anil Khaitan, Chairman, Sunil Healthcare Ltd.
We enjoyed your program. It was beautifully conducted. Suman Jyoti Khaitan, Managing Partner, Suman Khaitan & Co. (& Seema)
Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks. Can not thank you enough for the wonderful evening. I am still reeling with the effect. Aarti Khandelwal
What a wonderful evening it was courtesy you and Ibaadat. I thoroughly enjoyed the program! Thanks for all your efforts. Mohan Das Khandelwal
Had a lovely musical evening. Pleasantly surprised to see you turn a new leaf. God bless you. Paro Khandelwal
Nirantan Neeraj was a very well-choreographed and interesting programme. Kudos to you. Rajiv K. Khandelwal, Director & Chief Pediatrician, Vardaan Hospital
It was wonderful evening and your active part in anchoring was appreciable. Rakesh Khandelwal, Partner Khandelwal & Associates
Enjoyed thoroughly. Ravi Khandelwal, Chairman, Kebab Factory, Hyderabad
We admire your efforts in putting together a memorable show. Like NSD repertoire company the show started exactly in time given in invitation. We wonder how amateurs can mount a show as the one we saw on 25th July. S.S.Kothari, Cemtech
My family including me, enjoyed the show on Friday. The production was very good and the singers were outstanding. Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Commissioner of Income Tax (OSD)(Systems)
I attended "Neeraj Nirantar". Your research, script and presentation was superb. Last one hour when poet himself recited was icing of the cake. Congratulations. Ajay Kumar, IAS, Special Rapporteur ,National Human Rights Commission
Shukriya. Kavee Kumar, Director, Globe Capital
We attended the program with friends and were really delighted to see the content and the presentation. The manner you conducted the program was unique and very impressive. There was never a dull moment. All your artists were very accomplished ones with melodious voice. I was very impressed with your own singing. All over, the program was a delight which we all enjoyed and look forward to your future programs as well. Many thanks again for a beautiful evening. Sutendra Kumar
Experience at Nirantar Neeraj show was really wonderful. We really enjoyed the show. Your cool, calm yet impressive presentation made the whole difference. Dr. Naresh Maheshwari, Founder & Chairman, Farsight Brokers Pvt.Ltd.
It was a pleasure to be a part of such an entertaining and well managed/scripted event after a long long time. It took me back to my college days where we used to keep things as intact while organizing our Classical Music & Dance concerts. Everything was superbly done and getting to listen the legend himself was an icing on the cake! Thanks a lot for this wonderful show and look forward to more of it. Also, myself being involved in music and writing, how do I get involved with Ibaadat? Any pointers would be helpful.Pratik Maheshwari
Take the opportunity to express our gratitude for the invite. The event was extremely involving. Lot of effort of the mind & body went into the event. Our compliments to the team. Look forward to receive the invites for future events. Wish success to Ibaadat.Naresh Malhotra, Advisor, ICICI Securities Ltd.
Thank you soooo much for inviting me. The function was simply awesome!!! I completely loved it. You guys are making it better year by year… The effort you guys put in was clearly evident. It was such a great opportunity to hear Neerajji in live. He might have aged in numbers, but his passion for poetry was as energetic as a young man. Arrangement of the event was also well organized. As usual, you were superb on stage! Your lovely voice and distinct tone with such clear oration was indeed very captivating. Dhananjay Singh Mankotia, Dept. of Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences
What a show !!!!! As discussed, we all are still trying to come out of the mesmerizing night-Nirantar Neeraj. The organisation levels, the concept and thoughts behind the show are going from heights to heights. The details you shared with me are mind blowing and show the meticulous planning and deep thinking cemented together by lot of hard work by the entire team. The entire programme especially the finale was great and gave goose bumps at the end. Not forgetting your singing skills and the thumkas –which the entire Haldea clan agreed with us- was great. Please keep up the good work as no one will like to miss such once in a life time opportunities. Vijai Mathur, Partner, Link Legal (& Rekha)
Best show ever. Congratulations. Somesh Mehrotra, Managing Director, VLS Finance Ltd.
Thank you so much. Enjoyed the programme thoroughly. It rekindled my interest in poetry and took me back into those golden times. The concept, narration and recitation from Neeraj ji himself was truly amazing. Jayshree Mehta
We very much enjoyed the Neeraj show. Shailendra Mehta, Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
It was a beautiful programme. Much better organized especially the surprise entry of Neerajji. Congratulations. Vijay Mehta, Chairman, Mefcom Securities Ltd.
It was great moment for me. Amit Mishra, PAMAC Group
Congrats ...its always a mesmerising experience watching Ibaadat shows…when you guys put everything including your heart, mind and soul then there cant be any response other than this...many many congratulations to you and your team. Rashmi Mishra
Was one of the most enjoyable evenings with all my friends, super singing, ghazals and narration. What an evening. We enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks for the invite. Vinay Misra, Chief Executive Officer, National Telephone Service, Oman (& Janak)
Great show. Well presented, lots of innovation, well researched, all of you sang well, great detail, smooth execution. Clearly a lot of hard work but more importantly the passion showed. Som Mittal (& Vidhu)
I congratulate you and your team once again for organising this excellent event. It was a life time memorable evening attended by me with my wife and friends. The programme was near perfect. K.K.Modi, Founder Trustee, Holy Cow
It was a real pleasure to have attended the show yesterday which was so wonderfully created and presented. The icing on the cake was the presence of Neeraj in person…poetry…discourse…gyan…humor, all packed in by the man himself, who held the audience spellbound in absolute admiration of the GREAT LIVING LEGEND NEERAJ. Our heartiest congratulations to you and Ibadaat Foundation for letting us share this insight into the man. Siddharth Modi, Managing Director, Avanti Overseas Pvt.Ltd.
Thank you so much for giving me opportunity to perform with Ibaadat. It was wonderful experience working with such an extraordinarily dedicated unit. Debu Mukherjee
Would like to place my sincere thanks for your personal invite on the event held on 25th July on the living legend “Neeraj”. This is the noble cause to showcase the “Hidden Jewel” to the world and you did it splendidly through “Ibaadat Foundation”. I was astonished the way you were involved in the whole event. It was looking like the legend is breathing inside you. The audience were extremely happy and event was real good experience for me. Sunil Mundra, Zonal Head–Branch Banking–North, RBL Bank Ltd.
निरंतर नीरज, मन आनंद आनंद हो गया, निरंतर इबादत, आनंद परमात्मा मय हो गया. Dr.Harjeet Kaur & Dr.Suneel Mutneja, Kilkari
Heartiest Congratulations for the grand success of Nirantar Neeraj. Very enjoyable and very informative programme. Neerajji's coming on stage and reciting his lines at the age of 90 + was most wonderful. Ibaatat is doing a great service to poetry lovers. All the very best to "Ibaadat' जिसमें हमें कोई कमीं नहीं दिखती. Shailendra Pandey, Retd. Chairman, Central Administrative Tribunal (& Asha)
Neeraj program was great. Niranjan Pant, Team Leader, World Bank PFMR Project-II, Supreme Audit Office-Afghanistan
Soul-stirring evening. What more could I have asked for after a verrrry hectic work schedule. It acted as magic to my nearly "dilapidated" soul. Thank you Naveen ji, Prithvi ji to make me feel the healing powers of music. It has been my honour to be connected to Ibaadat. There is always a very unique element added in your programs which shows the brainstorming done for every event - be it the Kathputli concept or the patriotism portrayal. I salute to the whole team of Ibaadat. Every thing was so minutely planned. The coordination was superrrr and every one was great. यह मेरी इबादत है ईश्वर से की इबादत की इबादत को सुने और आप लोगों को ऊंचा मुकाम हासिल हो. Namita Arya Rastogi
Wonderful experience, No words to say thanks for giving an opportunity to attend the program. I thoroughly enjoyed. Seeing Neerajji on stage was also a great experience. Salute to Ibaadat Team. Sant Rawat, General Manger, Praxis Consulting
Thanks a lot for making us a part of an amazing evening. It was a once in a life time experience. Introducing new ideas of presentation adds novelty. Dr. Sheh Rawat (Sr. Oncologist, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (& Radhika)
It was another fabulous show! Ibaadat is doing an amazing job on the chosen artists...can see the quality of detailed homework done so well. Well done indeed! To get Neeraj on stage was an icing .....he is still so young in his mind and memories, truly a treat! Rajiv Sahni, Chairman, ICON Global Advisory
Amazing programme. Neeraj’s finale with his presence was icing on the cake, his memory was fantastic to recite poems written 40/50 years back. Kudos. Kusum Sanghi
Thanks very much for inviting to be part of unique programme. Very much enjoyed especially Neeraj ji participation. Amazing memory and voice. We are privileged to attend such rare function. God bless and wish for grand success to Ibaadat. Rajender Kumar Sanghi
I think it was great….brilliant. Vineet Saraf
It was a fantastic performance. You get better with every show. Neeraj arriving in person at the end was the high point. Partha Sarkar (& Chitra)
What a great evening it was! Just wonderful. Three hours of a beautifully choreographed programme on poet Neeraj, with anecdotes on him by his two sons and Naveen, Prithvi and Sangeeta of Ibaadat, the organisers. Actually it was such a greatly designed show that didn’t want it end and there was not a dull moment. All the singers were superb especially the classical singer. Class recitation of his poetry by the son, classical rendering of his dohas and extremely well rendered songs he gave to Bollywood, together made the evening unforgettable, not to miss the superb stage design. And the surprise icing on the cake was the poet himself who arrived an hour before the end of the show. An honour to watch the ninety years old Gopal Das Saxena urf Neeraj reciting his poetry in a voice which mesmerised every person in Kamani Auditorium. An experience of a life time. All three (singers) were great and made the evening so musical and Naveenji you were superb voicing Burmanda's prem ke pujari. So few in this world can do that efficiently. Thanks Ibaadat for the great show. Sangeeta Saxena, Associate Editor, India Strategic
Words fall short as I think of yesterday’s evening. A spectacular, soul stirring show put up with seamless perfection. All I can say is ....it will live in our hearts for a long long time. No one wanted to move even after it was over. Still and frozen in moment. Standing ovation to Naveenji and team for a beautiful evening. Garima Sehgal
Compliments on grand program and effort put in to make program wonderful is praise worthy. Congrats to the whole team of Ibaadat family. H.L.Sekhri, Managing Partner, Sekhri Associates
As usual, the program was of very high quality. This time, all the singers were in the top drawer. The script and the commentary by three of you (Sangeeta, Naveen, and yourself) were the most enjoyable parts of the program! Bharat Shah, Director, ASK Wealth Management, Mumbai
The show 'Nirantar Neeraj' was very well produced and presented. To present a legend's life journey in 150 minutes is a daunting task which was done very successfully with panache and flourish. You and your team deserve long and loud applause. This was the first time I attended Ibaadat India's presentation and found the show interesting and would try and attend your future shows too. Though I am an economist by training, photography is my hobby. I was wondering whether it would be possible to photograph some of your show(s) and artists (their portraits and close-ups) on and off stage. I will be happy to share those pics with you for use by Ibaadat India. Wishing you and your organisation success in the Ibaadat journey. Neeraj Sharma
It was a memorable program and we lived every second of it and would cherish memories for ever. God Bless you all for organising such programs and wish you all the best for future programs. Surya Kant Sharma, Asst. General Manager, NRO, Securities and Exchange Board of India
What an evening. Superlative in every which way…your research, direction, songs, singers, poems, sets, and the icing on the cake the surprise entry of Neerajji. Suresh Shetty, Emerging Securities Pvt.Ltd.
Nirantar Neeraj was soul stirring. Please keep up the good work. Alka Sibbal, Vice Principal, Salwan Girls School
How can one get to thank you for such a magical and enchanting evening which served as a great appetizer for our impending return to India next winter ? We are still dreaming of the poetry and humming melodies of yesteryears which were brought alive so beautifully. Hope to remain in touch with Ibaadat. Abhimanyu Singh, Head Of UNESCO-China/Mongolia/Korea (& Sanjivani)
Thanks ever so much for inviting me to this wonderful event. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The production was of very high quality and the singers were exceptionally good…a truly magnificent show…and full marks to you and your team for having put this together . Cheers and let us have many more. Amar Raj Singh, Owner, Gamma Pizzakraft Pvt. Ltd. (Franchisee of Pizza Hut)
Neeraj once again was a quest fulfilled. Heart warming to witness Ibaadat growing and maturing. Particularly liked the inventive presentation of the legend and just when we thought this time its going to be without the man himself, in he strode, on wheels but captivating as ever....shall we ask for it once more! Ashok Pal Singh, Dy. Director General, Unique Identification Authority of India (& Nandita)
Your dedication is exhilarating. It was wonderful programme. Listening to Neeraj Jee was a life time experience. Bakshish Singh
The musical drama celebrating the life, poetry and songs of the Living Legend Dr. Gopal Das 'Neeraj' organised by Ibaadat was one of the best programmes I have ever attended. It has enriched my knowledge on Hindi Poetry, has increased my reverence for Neerajji multifolds and has encouraged me to read more of Hindi Poems. Thanks Ibaadat. I request you to kindly give me more such opportunities. Seema Singh, General Manager, Bharatiya Mahila Bank
It was real treat _ we enjoyed every moment. You seem to be out doing yourself every time. Your great effort, passion and application were tangible. Masterstoke to get Neeraj himself, he was unbelievable! Anil Sinha, Regional Head-South Asia Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation (& Lavi)
A wonderful evening of classy and tasteful entertainment. Wonderfully planned and immaculately executed. Me and my wife enjoyed it immensely. My compliments to you for doing this great work. Listening to the great Kavivar Neeraj in person was the icing on the cake. Deepak Singhal, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India
"Nirantar Neeraj" is again a most touching and beautiful presentation form of Ibaadat Foundation; most befitting was the presence of Neeraj ji with his Mahakavya. These are the formats which give energy not only to you but to the entire audience who feel energetic with such marvellous presentation. Gajendra S.Singhvi, Managing Director, Hindustan Fibres Ltd. (& Neelam)
We feel it was very nicely organised and presented and extremely enjoyable. I don’t think there is anything to suggest for improvement as everything was well thought of. Anil Sodhani, Chairman, Indian Carpet Centre
Fantastic evening!!! Starting with Sapna, all the singers were amazing, and that includes you too. Overall, well conceived, well presented and thoroughly enjoyable.Dr.N.Subramanian (& Lalitha), Apollo Hospital
I greatly enjoyed the unique treat Ibaadat created and served last evening. Seeing the great poet in person, reciting in top form, was a real blessing. His voice rose like a steam of rich distilled perfumes. The sounds echoed from the bottom of his capacious heart. Poetry and Philosophy came together. Truth and Genius embraced. I imagine Neeraj saying: "But there is matter for another rhyme, And I to this may add a second tale." And so we look forward to another treat from Ibaadat. Prof. R. Sudarshan, Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy/O.P. Jindal Global University
Thank you so much for the invitation to the Ibaadat show. Even after all the glowing reports I had heard about it which pushed up expectations, I have to say that it amazed me. My comments are falling over themselves to be aired, not at all like the ones in your show, which ran like a well-oiled machine. It was brilliantly executed and it seemed as if the performers had all practiced together for months. The way one would speak, the other would take over, or sometimes add to what the other said - whether it was the three of you main presenters, or Neeraj's sons - everyone jelled together so well, picking up from one another as if an invisible conductor ran the show.
That's the brilliance - no overt conducting or directing! LIke a wireless connection, perhaps, you all communicated with one another. It's not that I'm gushing and not picking up on one or two minor mishaps - lighting in the beginning or audio of Neeraj's son not working in the beginning - but it was minor because the show was just so entertaining, which is always the first expectation an audience has. The main offering of your show is heart. All of you presented with heart, and that was apparent in the depth and breadth of Neeraj's work displayed, the different ways in which it was shown - dance, song, video clips, narration... and the genuine interest you all displayed in the work. Many of the film songs are known to me, so that helped to bring familiarity to the show, but the poems that you all declaimed, helped to bring Neeraj's versatility and range and made him so real - even before his surprise appearance. In the beginning, since I know you, I kept saying - how could they have done this? How did they know this etc etc. But soon I was lost in the sheer enjoyment of the show, and the thoughts receded into the background: after all he's an engineer, see how well they all sing etc etc. Thank you. I'll stop now, so this isn't a show in itself...Meenakshi Suri
We have attended your earlier shows…they are getting better and better. Had postponed a business trip for this event. Look forward to the next show. Would like to invite my good friend Mr Jawahar Sircar CEO Prasar Bharti for the next event. Pawan Tibrawalla
Writers/poets are the unsung heroes/heroines behind many a super hit song or movie so honouring one is certainly a welcome change! The program was well organised and very well presented. Kudos to the Foundation. Mrityunjay Tiwari
Very enjoyable evening! Different elements well integrated, great singing and a wonderful bonus in the appearance of Neeraj ji himself! What an incredible memory for a 90 year old! Love the passion of the Ibaadat team. Take away… जितना कम सामान रहेगा,उतना सफर आसान रहेगा. And high point…surprise and perfect entry of Neeraji on the lines beautifully sung by Sapna… ऐसे माहौल में नीरज को बुलाया जाये. Madhur Trivedi (& Mahesh)
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the excellent evening that you organized on Kavi Neeraj. We loved every bit of it. The format of the program and the manner of presentation was amazing. We hope to receive invitations from you for your future programs. Vinay Vaish, Partner, Vaish Associates
We enjoyed the evening thoroughly. please convey my congratulations to the total team for a nice and successful effort. As usual Suprriya was perfect in rendering music.Harjeet S. Virdi
It was wonderful programme. We came to understand the life, history and achievements of Neerajji from his family and his own mouth. You people did a wonderful thing by presenting him in person. Hats off to Team of Ibaadat. It's difficult to find faults in your programs. God Bless Ibaadat to organise more and more programs. K.K. Wadhwa, Wadhwa International
केवल 'इबादत' ही वह ज़रिया है जो महान् हस्तियों से आमना-सामना करा देता है. इबादत की ताक़त से ही इन्सान खुदा का दीदार कर लेता है. कॉलेज के समय में जिनकी प्रेरणादायक व यथार्थ का बोध कराने वाली कविताओं को पढ़कर हम कल्पना में उनसे मिलते थे, सहसा 25 जुलाई की रंगीन संध्या बेला में इबादत के रंगमंच पर उन्हें देखकर हृदय गद्-गद् हो गया. 90 वर्ष उम्र शरीर की बढ़ गई तो क्या? मन तो आज भी उमंग भरे गीत गुनगुना रहा है, वही नवीनता, वही गहनता व प्रेरणा भरे सन्देश कविता के माध्यम से राष्ट्र को देने का जज़्बा बरकरार है उनमें. इबादत ! झुककर बन्दगी हम करते हैं आपकी - मुद्दतों बाद इस कार्य-क्रम के द्वारा कुछ लमहों के लिये जीने का मज़ा आ गया.Indu Wangnoo, Poet