Watch: Saba Qamar shines at Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025 in Dubai
Shafqat Amanat Ali and Ali Sethi bring the festival to a soul-stirring close
DUBAI: Saba Qamar captivated the audience with her magnetic presence and graceful elegance at Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025, held at Zabeel Park over the weekend.
The Pakistani actress, known for her remarkable versatility, turned heads in a stunning ensemble, quickly becoming the focal point of the event.
Her insightful remarks on the evolving state of the Urdu language added a thoughtful dimension to the celebrations. "No one has the time to speak properly, so how will Urdu be understood? Urdu needs patience," she said, highlighting the need for mindfulness in an era of speed.
Saba further elaborated, "I feel we humans have lost our patience. Now everything is fast. No one has the time," stressing that while language evolves, it is vital to preserve its essence through patience.
Reflecting on her own life, the 40-year-old actress shared: "My life is like Imtiaz Ali’s films – an incomplete soul. And I think that incompleteness has its own joy. There is pain and there is joy. So I believe there is joy in pain," resonating deeply with the crowd.
Urdu in Films & TV
Joining Saba at the event were fellow Pakistani stars, including actor Imran Abbas, who participated in an engaging session titled Urdu in Films & TV. The discussion, moderated by Adeel Hashmi, delved into the significance of Urdu in South Asian cinema and television.
Imran Abbas, a passionate advocate of Urdu poetry, captivated the audience with his intellectual musings. "I’ve always felt that Urdu is the soul of our cinema," he remarked, reflecting on the language's profound impact on the entertainment industry.
Shafqat Amanat & Ali Sethi’s soulful set
The festival also featured moving musical performances by Shafqat Amanat Ali and Ali Sethi, whose voices further celebrated the timeless beauty of Urdu culture.
Shafqat Amanat Ali, renowned for his evocative renditions of Mitwa and Dildara, enthralled the audience with a stirring performance of Maah-e-Tamaam. The timeless track, known for its lyrical beauty, resonated deeply with attendees, evoking the profound charm of Urdu music.
The spotlight shifted to Ali Sethi on the event's final day, with the singer-songwriter known for his global hit Pasoori.
Sethi's performance, Shaam Dhale: A Night of Music and Romance, was a powerful blend of classical and contemporary elements, reaffirming his status as one of South Asia’s most influential musical figures. He also performed Ye Mulaqaat Badi Der Ke Bad Aayi Hai, offering a mesmerising blend of romanticism and poetic brilliance.
Piyush Mishra's Ballimaaraan
One of the standout performances was Ballimaaraan – The Piyush Mishra Project, which brought the raw emotions of renowned Indian artist Piyush Mishra to the forefront. His evocative lyrics and unfiltered storytelling drew the audience into the heart of his performance.
With iconic tracks like Husna, Arre Ruk Ja Re Bande, and Ik Bagal, Mishra’s blend of music, theatre, and poetry enchanted all in attendance.
His performance Dilli Se Lahore Tak celebrated the shared heritage of India and Pakistan, transcending borders with melodies that spoke to the soul of Urdu culture.