Ahead Of Shankar Shad Mushaira 2026, Javed Akhtar Says ‘Poetry Begins When…’ | Check Date, Time, Venue

For over seven decades, Delhi has set aside one special evening for poetry that speaks to the soul. On Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the Shankar Lall MurliDhar Memorial Society, in association with DCM Shriram Industries Ltd, will host the 57th Shankar Shad Mushaira at Modern School, Barakhamba—a venue that has stood at the heart of the capital’s Urdu poetry tradition since 1954.

In a city that has undergone immense transformation over the years, this stage has remained a constant—an enduring space where emotion, memory, and expression find voice through poetry. What began as an initiative to preserve Urdu shayari has evolved into a celebrated cultural institution, echoing the nation’s shared experiences of love, loss, and longing through evocative verse.

The 57th edition underscores the Mushaira’s expanding reach and enduring relevance, bringing together poets from across the country. From Bareilly, Lucknow, and Kanpur in the north to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Jalgaon in the west and south, and from Meerut, Siwan, and Jodhpur to Delhi itself, the evening will showcase a vibrant tapestry of voices and perspectives. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the emotions expressed on stage remain universal, resonating deeply across generations.

This year’s lineup features a remarkable blend of legendary and contemporary voices. Headlining the evening are two of the most revered figures in Urdu literature—Waseem Barelvi and Javed Akhtar—whose words have inspired generations and continue to shape the cultural landscape.

Javed Akhtar’s Love For Poetry

Javed Akhtar while speaking with NewsX says, “For me, poetry has never been about applause, it begins when silence becomes impossible to carry. In a world that urges us to move on quickly, choosing to sit with emotion and express it honestly takes real courage. That is why the Shankar Shad Mushaira remains so special, it is a space where both seasoned and emerging voices are heard. I congratulate all the winners and every participant as you have found your voice, and more importantly, you have found a stage worthy of it. That is where every poet’s journey truly begins.”

They will be joined by distinguished poets such as Sheen Kaaf Nizam, Iqbal Ashhar, Rajesh Reddy, Shakeel Azmi, and Shabeena Adeeb, each of whom has made an enduring contribution to contemporary shayari. Alongside these stalwarts, a younger generation of poets—including Charan Singh Bashar, Azhar Iqbal, Sunil Kumar Tang, Hina Haider Rizvi, Saif Nizami, and Zubair Ali Tabish—will offer fresh perspectives and modern themes, reflecting the evolving voice of today’s India.

Reinforcing its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, this year’s Mushaira will also feature the second edition of the Shankar Shad Shayari Contest, with the winner to be announced live during the event—a moment of recognition on a highly prestigious stage.

A key factor behind the Mushaira’s continued relevance is its growing resonance with younger audiences. In an age dominated by fast-paced digital content, many young individuals are turning to poetry as a medium of deeper expression. Themes such as identity, mental health, relationships, and belonging are increasingly finding voice through shayari, making the Mushaira a vibrant platform for meaningful contemporary dialogue.

Check Day, Date, Time And Venue

Day: Sunday
Date: April 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM onwards
Venue: Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi
Entry: Free

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