Basanti In Aligarh Numaaish

Aligarh numaaish (exhibition) is an annual month-long event and has become a tradition of sorts down the years. Its cultural events are very well attended and lure away even big artists like Ghulam Ali last year. After reading this post through Desi Pundit, I remembered a very interesting anecdote about the numaaish.

A.M.U. students attend numaaish with much enthusiasm and needless to say, it would be a bland affair without their presence. For the cultural events, the audience section is divided into three parts. The front rows are usually reserved for dignitories and government officials. Normally they are occupied by people who like to throw their weight around. The back rows are divided into two parts, one for the students and other for general public. Some years ago when I was studying over there, Hema Malini was invited to present a classical dance program. Now, I am yet to ‘meet’ a North Indian who would watch a classical dance show with some interest. But since it was Hema Malini’s dance, therefore the front rows were jam-packed. As soon as Hema Malini arrived on the stage one of the students from the back rows shouted:

Basanti, in kuttoN ke saamne mat naachnaa…..