Om Bhutkar in Sukhan's performance in December 2023.
Om Bhutkar at first ever performance of Sukhan

Sukhan is a theatrical production that presents Urdu literature and Hindustani classical music.[1] Conceived and directed by National-Award winning Marathi actor Om Bhutkar, the show was first performed on 13 October 2015 to commemorate the 67th birth anniversary of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Since its inception, Sukhan has been performed over 125 concerts.[2]

Form

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Sukhan is a mehfil (gathering) where performers recite Urdu poetry and render Hindustani classical music pieces, as well as Ghazals & Qawwalis.[3] It combines the Urdu literature with musical renditions. The show also pays homage to legendary artists and poets of the Indian subcontinent, such as Mirza Ghalib, Jaun Eliya, Mir Taqi Mir and many more.

Though it is an Urdu show, interestingly, the performers of Sukhan are originally based in Pune, Maharashtra. Pune has primarily Marathi-speaking residents, and all the artists in Sukhan share Marathi as their mother tongue.[4]

 
Artists of Sukhan performing a Qawwali

Performances and Recognition

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Initially, the show was performed mainly in Pune, gaining local popularity. Over time, its success led to performances in Mumbai and other cities near Pune, expanding its reach beyond its original audience.

In 2017, Sukhan was invited to perform at Jashn-e-Rekhta,[5] one of India's most prestigious events dedicated to Urdu literature. This performance was a significant milestone, highlighting the show's cultural impact and growing recognition.

In 2018, Sukhan was invited to perform at the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Natya Sammelan[6] organised by Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, held in Mulund, Mumbai. This invitation to a prominent Marathi theater festival showcased the show's ability to bridge linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Since its debut, it has been performed in various cities in India as well as in USA,[7] Canada and UAE. and has attracted audiences from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The show has been featured at prestigious festivals : twice at Jashn-e-Rekhta, Delhi[8][9] & Vishwarang, Bhopal.[10][11] It was also performed at prestigious 'The Grand Theatre' in NMACC, Mumbai.[12]

Impact on Pune's art scene

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Despite Marathi being the predominant language in Pune, Sukhan has significantly influenced the city's artistic community and audience.[13]It has sparked a revival of interest in Urdu poetry, evident in various cultural expressions.

Jashn-e-Sukhan

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In 2017, the organizers of Sukhan launched Jashn-e-Sukhan, a festival celebrating poetry and music.[14] Unlike Sukhan, which primarily focuses on Urdu literature and Hindustani classical music, Jashn-e-Sukhan embraces diversity in languages and genres. It serves as a platform for emerging poets and musicians, encouraging artistic exploration and growth.

References

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  1. ^ Basu, Dyuti (2016-12-30). "Discovering the Urdu connection". www.asianage.com. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  2. ^ ठोंबरे, महिमा (2024-05-19). "अभूतपूर्व प्रतिसादाची 'सुखन' कहाणी". Marathi News Esakal (in Marathi). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  3. ^ Patwardhan, Aditi (2016-11-21). "The Melange of Poetry, Music and Storytelling That Has Made Pune Embrace Urdu Literature". The Better India. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  4. ^ "ओमचा 'सुखन' प्रवास". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  5. ^ rasia (2017-12-10). "Jashn-e-Rekhta shows Urdu is not only alive but rocking". The Siasat Daily – Archive. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  6. ^ "Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Sammelan concludes tomorrow". The Times of India. 2018-06-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  7. ^ "SUKHAN, a mehfil". www.khabar.com. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  8. ^ Jashn-e-Rekhta (2017-04-14). Team Sukhan performing at Jashn e Rekhta 2017 I Shayari I Qawwali I Ghazal. Retrieved 2024-11-18 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "Jashn-e-Rekhta shows Urdu is not only alive but rocking". bhatkallys.com. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  10. ^ "Sukhan group's sukoon Urdu mehfil". The Times of India. 2019-11-30. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  11. ^ "Vishwarang". vishwarang.com. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  12. ^ "Sukhan: An unforgettable mehfil of Urdu literature and Sufi music to be held at NMACC | સુખનઃ ઉર્દુ સાહિત્ય અને સુફી સંગીતની એક અવિસ્મરણીય મહેફિલ NMACCમાં યોજાશે". www.gujaratimidday.com (in Gujarati). 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  13. ^ Chowdhury, Titas (22-05-2020). "Learning Urdu has opened up a whole new world for me: Amruta Subhash". Hindustan Times. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |publication-date= (help)
  14. ^ "Pune: Festival of Urdu literature, music to start on Tuesday". The Indian Express. 2017-10-10. Retrieved 2024-11-18.