Askari Naqvi
Askari Naqvi is a seasoned musician, storyteller and vocalist trained under the guidance of Dr Shivani Matanhelia (his first Guru), Pandit Amit Mukerjee and Gulshan Bharti. With a career spanning over a decade, Askari has graced stages across India, enchanting audiences with his soulful renditions and captivating Dastango performances. His unique contribution lies in bringing the art forms of Muharram, particularly Soz-Khwani, from religious settings to a secular audience. Having performed at prestigious festivals and venues nationwide, including international appearances in Germany and France, Askari's performances are a testament to his artistic prowess. Beyond the stage, he is recognised for founding Naimat Khana. This Lucknowi home-cooked food venture has gained local acclaim and occasionally travels to showcase the culinary richness of Lucknow and Awadh culture. Askari Naqvi continues to leave an indelible mark, seamlessly blending music, storytelling, and entrepreneurial spirit in his artistic journey.
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With over a decade of performance experience, Askari has graced numerous stages, including prestigious spaces like India International Centre New Delhi, Odd Bird Theatre, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, India Habitat Center, Akshara Theatre, S47 Downstairs in Delhi, Art & Aesthetics department, JNU, Sunder Nursery Amphitheater, Studio Safder, Islamic Center, Bangalore International Center, Godrej India Culture Lab, Art & Charlie amongst many others.
His performances span across cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Indore, Bhopal, Patna, Shanti Niketan, Kolkata, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, and beyond.
A participant in renowned festivals like Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival, Jashn e Rekhta, Lucknow Literature Festival, Unconference Avallon, France, Sacred Amritsar Festival, Manjha House Festival Amritsar, Mahindra Kabira Festival Varanasi, Tata Lit Festival Kolkata, Times Lit Festival in Mumbai, and Mumbai Storytelling Festival, Askari has also showcased his talent internationally in various major cities of Europe and UAE.
Venturing beyond the realm of music and storytelling, Askari is the visionary behind Naimat Khana, a Lucknowi home-cooked food restaurant in Lucknow. The restaurant, under his leadership, has traversed the country, hosting pop-ups at esteemed hotels and restaurants, sharing the culinary delights of Lucknow and Awadh culture. Askari Naqvi remains a dynamic force, seamlessly weaving together the tapestry of music, storytelling, culture, and the arts.
I have been hearing marsiyas , soz and salam ever since I remember. Of late the marsiya khwab and soz khwan are becoming rare. Askari Naqvi is one of those sozkhwans whose words pierce through the consciousness of the hearer and transport him/her to the dusty, bloodstained battlefield of Karbala. His repertoire of Awadhi soz is matchless.
Askari bhai belongs to a very well-known Shia family of Lucknow and according to me very beautifully carries the tradition of singing Soz khwani in its most divine and Indianised form. He understands the emotions that a particular raaga emits and accordingly sets the lyrics of the Soz Khwani in it. Initially, I didn't have much knowledge about this art form glorifying Hussain's martyrdom in the battle of Karbala, but then it became my gateway to understand the history and religiosity of Islam. Listening to Askari bhai's rendition of the story of Karbala can leave anybody with teary eyes and lament. His renditions are moving, soul-stirring, particularly the ones written by Meer Anis. He has taken Soz khwani singing outside the frames of strict religious settings, keeping in mind the discipline and influencing listeners of other faiths as well.
Askari Naqvi tells us history in music and poetry. Mir Anis and the culture of Awadh come alive in his performance. Naqvi is an artist who is rewarding to watch and hear many times over
Through his soulful lyrics and deep voice, Askari has the ability to transpose you to a realm of serenity and grace. As the cadence of his taans and alaaps engulf your senses, you cannot help but melt into a state of bliss. His repertoire is syncretic and his story like renditions have lyrical heft. His performances are equally enjoyable in a small mehfil, up close and personal or on a large stage.
Tarannum se Kabir, brought alive the life and times of this philosopher–poet. Dasatan has the power and ability to transform a space and the audience and Askari does just that.
Askari's music and singing truly symbolises the syncretic and shared cultures of Awadh and beyond. In one sitting he effortlessly blends the pathos of soz & marsiya, brings alive the colours of Holi and Basant, and simultaneously weaves the poems of Kabir, Jigar and Faiz. All this becomes richer when he blends the tradition of dastaangoi while he performs his music. His latest collection of Kabir bhajans that he sings in awadhi tradition are truly mesmerizing.
One evening at Habitat Centre, New Delhi, I attended a performance of “Dastan Mayan Azad Ki.” Having seen many Dastan performances by well-known artists, I expected a dramatic narrative filled with humor. However, this Daastan from Lucknow offered a different experience. It showcased the Avadh school of folk and classical traditions, with Askari and Valentina delivering a lyrical and musical performance that beautifully connected the past and present. Their nuanced narration enriched the essence of the plot, making it a bold experiment that revived forgotten melodies. This performance reminded me of the Kashmiri Daastan tradition revived by Mohmad Ismail Meer. Kudos to Askari and Valentina for their research and for creating such an engaging experience for contemporary audiences.
If you want to dive into the soul of Awadh, watch Askari and Valentina perform a dastan. While Askari excels not just because of his fine craft but also because of the culture that is so deeply embedded in his personality, Valentina is a natural storyteller. Together they make a terrific Dastango team.
Askari Naqvi and Valentina delivered an absolutely virtuoso performance of Dastan Miyan Azad Ki during The Sacred Amritsar festival. The subtle variations in delivery, the gentle humour and the vivid narrative had us hanging on to every word. Dastangoi in the hand of artistes like these is a real treat.