The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, in collaboration with Shahanshah Mirza, the great great-grandson of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, and in association with t2, recently hosted a magical evening celebrating the Nawab’s 200th birthday. Titled Shaam-e-Awadh, the evening brought together the rich cultural history of Awadh and the Nawab’s connection with Calcutta. Known to be a great patron of the performing arts and credited with the spread of the Urdu language in Calcutta, the last Nawab of Awadh has left behind a generous cultural heritage. With a series of thoughtfully curated performances, authentic and local Awadhi food, and cosy decor, the event was one to remember.
“When we first spoke to Shahanshah Mirza about this evening and the thought behind it, it had been smaller. But as we talked, there was a synergy and we thought of the event on a grander scale. There is much to discuss when it comes to the connection Awadh has with Calcutta and the Nawab’s birthday was the perfect opportunity to do so. We hope this tie can continue and we can bring about more such events,” said Subhash Sinha, general manager, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat.
The series of performances began with an entertaining recital by Nandini Sinha, an eminent Lucknowi Gharana-style Kathak exponent who performed with her team, the tale of the Nawab’s journey to Calcutta and his eventual settling down in the city. It was the perfect start for the audience to get familiar with the story.
Askari Naqvi took the stage for a mesmerizing Dastangoi. Accompanied on the tabla and sarangi, Naqvi’s elegant yet emotive tone told tales of time past yet contemporary.
Among the many contributions of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah lies his influence on fashion, especially on the locals when he moved to Calcutta. Honoring that and making the evening more interesting were a series of awards like that to the Best Dressed Couple, won by Sandeep and Bhawna Shah (picture above), Best Dressed Man, won by Colonel Ramesh Dadlani (centre in picture below) and Best Dressed Woman, won by Jyoti Sapru (extreme left in picture below)
Shahanshah Mirza with his wife Fatima (extreme right) and daughters Wasma and Kazima. “Wajid Ali Shah had a very strong connection with Calcutta. He spent the last 31 years of his life in the city and he was one of the very few rulers who gave back a lot to the city and the society. He embraced Calcutta as one of his own cities. The Urdu language also developed in Calcutta at that time. Because he had this connection and it was his 200th birth anniversary, I thought of celebrating it in a grand manner, so that people can go back in time. The Nawab, although he was a Muslim ruler, was a secular patron of the arts with his court seeing Kathak dancers as well,” said Shahanshah Mirza on his thoughts and experience behind curating the evening.
Imran Zaki with Satnam Singh Ahluwalia
Suvankar Sen, director, Senco Gold & Diamonds with Joita Sen
Rajendra Singh
FOOD
Along with the culturally rich evening of performances, The Westin also hosted Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s 200th birth anniversary with the food festival Jashn-e-Awadh, offering authentic Awadhi dishes curated by chef Sheeba Iqbal, chef Shafiqun and the culinary team at The Westin, led by chef Vivek Kalia.
“The theme for the evening is Awadh and the dishes have been curated with that in mind. Chef Sheeba has brought her cuisine and experience from her household, from her ancestors to the menu. The items were chosen to set the mood right for a comprehensive experience. We have incorporated the cooking techniques to replicate the flavours of traditional Awadhi food,” said Chef Vivek Kalia, executive chef, The Westin Kolkata, Rajarhat. “I initially started cooking to keep myself busy while my children were away in different cities. Then, gradually, I developed a passion for it as more people began to enjoy my food. I had an added advantage which is that my house in Lucknow is over 120 years old. So, I could recreate a traditional experience for people who would want to have it. With this event, I curated dishes that are very essential to Lucknowi and Awadhi cuisine, but are not much propagated outside. I am glad I could participate in this event and bring authentic Awadhi flavours to the city,” said chef Sheeba Iqbal.
Awadhi Biryani was the yummiest dish on the menu that had soft and chewy mutton chunks that made it more delicious.
A fan of shank pieces? Mildly spicy, with the meat falling off the bones, this Mutton Nihari was the definition of comfort food.
Fried goodness of the syrupy Shahi Tukda was a hit on the dessert menu
Creamy and mildly sweet Moong Daal ka Halwa was also a hit on the dessert menu.
