ICS Present " Izhaar e Khayaal" On 30th May 2025
ICS Present " Izhaar e Khayaal" On 30th May 2025
Indian Cultural Society (ICS) is proud to announce “Izhaar-e-Khayaal”, a distinguished evening celebrating the art of poetry, on Friday, 30th May 2025, at 7:00 PM, at the INNOVA International English School Auditorium, near Alia Hospital, Mahboula, Kuwait.
Headlining the event are two iconic literary figures:
Padma Shri Surendra Sharma, beloved poet and humorist, famed for his signature refrain “Chaar Lainaa Suna Raha Hoon”.
Hon. Imran Pratapgarhi, acclaimed Urdu poet and Member of Rajya Sabha, celebrated for powerful nazms.
They will be joined by an ensemble of celebrated poets — Azhar Iqbal, Shabeena Adeeb, Shambhu Shikhar, Abbas Qamar, and Manika Dubey — each known for their unique poetic voice and engaging performances.
Izhaar-e-Khayaal promises an immersive poetic experience — an evening where classic ghazals, contemporary nazms, and heartfelt verses will blend to stir the soul and ignite the imagination. Whether spoken in humor or protest, love or reflection, each performance will celebrate the timeless power of poetry.
PadmaShri Surendra Sharma is renowned for his comic yet poignant poetry; he has performed globally and earned accolades like the Kaka Hathrasi Hasya Samman. He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Hindi Academy (Delhi) and is a trustee of the Bhagwan Parshuram Institute of Technology. He was honored by the Government of India with the award of PadmaShri for his contributions to the field of literature. His known publication: Mansarovar Ke Kauwe, Buddhimaanon Ki Moorkhtaaein, Bade- Badon Ke Utpaat, Mujhse Bhala Na Koy and Ras Kalash continue to inspire generations of readers and listeners. He is also a member of the Central Board of Film Certification. T-Series released a cassette named Chaar Laina Kavi. He hosted his own daily radio show, Sharmaji Se Poocho, which used to air on Red FM 93.5.
As we celebrate the timeless beauty of Urdu poetry at this event, we are honored to include the voice of Hon. Imran Pratapgarhi—a poet of the people, for the people. He is a poet of resistance and romance, his powerful voice in contemporary Urdu poetry. A graduate of Allahabad University, he rose to fame through his socially charged poetry, giving voice to marginalized communities. He currently serves as Chairman of the Minority Department, All India Congress Committee, and is a member of various parliamentary committees. His poetry has earned him the Yash Bharti Award (2016), the highest civilian honor in Uttar Pradesh. Imran's poetry is characterized by its lyrical quality, strong metaphors, and emotional intensity. He does not shy away from controversy or criticism, remaining steadfast in his commitment to truth and justice.
Azhar Iqbal is a name widely recognized and followed in the world of Urdu poetry and literature. He is regularly featured at all the prominent Urdu/Hindi language festivals and Mushairas, including Jashn-E-Rekhta, Jashn-E-Bahaar, Shankar Shaad Mushaira and many others. His Ghazals are immensely popular among Urdu poetry lovers, young and senior alike, and his unique style of presentation is appreciated by all. He experiments with other forms of poetry as well, and is also a noted commentator on Urdu literature - both old and contemporary. Aside from being a prolific poet, Azhar has also made a mark for himself as a script-writer and an anchor/interviewer. He founded the Harfkaar Foundation in 2015 to work towards promoting theatre, Dastangoi, poetry and other arts forms,. Under the Harfkaar Foundation many important literary pieces have been presented and introduced to people. Recently ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ on Sony TV, where he shared the stage with other poets and lyricists. Azhar Iqbal has written various ghazals as well which include:
“Ye bar-e-gham bhi uthaya nahin bahut din se”, “Dil ki gali mein chand nikalta rahta hai”, “Kahin abir ki khushbu kahin gulal ka rang”, ‘Maroosthal se jaise jungle ho gaye hain’, and “Tumhe milne ko ab mann kar raha hai”.
Shambhu Shikhar is the other name of the most updated Stand-up Comedian. He achieved the status of semi-finalist in the renowned TV show “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge-3”, he can also be seen very frequently in a popular political TV show on News 18 India named “Lapete Mein Netaji”. Awards and achievements are listed as Lapete Mein Netaji on News 18 India, Chhupa Rustam by SAB TV, Waah Waah Kya Baat Hai, Shravan Rahi Kavya Puraskar ,Sahitya Shikhar Samman, Panipat ,Sahityik Kriti Samman Sonepat, & most prestigious Bharatendu Harishchand Puraskar by Hindi Academy (Govt. of Delhi) etc.
Shabeena Adeeb is a renowned poetess of India and abroad. And the most heartily loved, popular and legend of poetess knows for her melodious voice and unique style of expressing. She emerged with a revolutionary voice & unique style with zeal to surpass her own targets and performer per excellence. Today she is an ideal for millions of Urdu poetry across the globe. Her favorite personality is Mir Taqi Mir , Ghalib and Josh. Shabeena”s first book Tum Mere Paas Raho was released which was very popular and the next book is coming soon.
Manika Dubey (Poetess, lyricist, composer) is an emerging talent in the world of Hindi Kavi Sammelan coming from a farmer family; she is deeply rooted in the fabric of rural life, which she brings to her poetic works. Actively engaged in various social service projects, she closely observes society, capturing its essence and weaving lessons of sensitivity into her poetry. Her works reflect the images and symbols of present-day society, resonating deeply with her audience. Known for her energetic and enthusiastic recitations, Dubey is poised to play a significant role in making poetry accessible to the masses. Manika Dubey is the new sensation in Hindi poetry. She is too popular for her soulful writing & recitation.
Qamar Abbas Qamar was born in Ghosi (Uttar Pradesh), on in a family of humble origins with artistic inquisitiveness. He was inclined to Urdu
poetry from an early age and often participated in poetic symposiums in his hometown. He received elementary education in his home town and turned to Lucknow University for a Master's degree in Persian language and literature. He is a poet of gentleness and is often heard reciting his couplets with great skill in Mushairas across the country. He is actively composing poems, and his first volume of poetry is soon to be published. He occasionally sings his verses too.
The hard work of the ICS team & their ability to deliver quality entertainment, time after time has indeed become a model for live events in Kuwait till date. Established in 2005, ICS has become Kuwait’s premier cultural organization dedicated to promoting Indian art, literature, and performing arts. From Bollywood concerts to literary forums, ICS events are known for their quality, inclusivity, and community impact.
We invite all lovers of language and literature to this extraordinary event — a celebration of rhythm, thought, and emotion. Witness legends live and immerse you in a night that promises to be intellectually enriching and soul- stirring. So join us on Friday on 30th May at 6.30 pm at INNOVA Auditorium Mahboula Kuwait.
RSVP-ics.kuwait@gmail.com. For venue location please whatsapp 97298453.
