- Featuring Art Critic Vinay Upadhyay’s Book ‘Safah par Awaaz’
Bhopal: The tradition of dialogue, interviews, and debates has paved the way for new experiences and knowledge in India. The questions that emerge from our restless minds can serve as a means to preserve invaluable creative insights. ‘Safah par Awaaz’ stands as a testament to my extensive conversations with forty prominent figures in literature and art.
As part of the dialogue series at Club Literati, an engaging discussion took place on Wednesday at Vivekanand Library, centered around the widely discussed book ‘Safah par Awaaz’ by renowned art critic, writer, and announcer Vinay Upadhyay. The event, titled ‘Yaadein…Baatein’, featured journalist and writer Shifali Pandey in conversation with Upadhyay, where they delved into the journeys and unique experiences of various celebrated personalities during a lively Q&A session.
The book compiles interviews with figures from diverse genres, including Gopaldas Neeraj, Mahasweta Devi, Chitra Mudgal, Syed Haider Raza, Javed Akhtar, Habib Tanvir, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, Kishori Amonkar, Girija Devi, Naushad, Mohan Agashe, Ashutosh Rana, and Bhajju Shyam. Engaging with these interviews offers an intimate glimpse into the dialogues surrounding art, literature, and culture, making this book a significant document showcasing the art of interviewing.
Dr. Seema Raizada, head of Club Literati, emphasized the importance and utility of this event. Following the discussion, attendees had the opportunity to receive signed copies of ‘Awaaz on the Floor’ from Vinay Upadhyay.
In response to a question from Shifali, Vinay described the book as a tapestry of words, voices, rhythms, images, and colors. It encompasses debates, boldness, dreams, sensitivity, joy, silences, pride, excitement, lessons, inspiration, plans, and regrets.
When asked about the essence of inquiry, Vinay remarked that while answers exist in the world, it is the questions that require thoughtful exploration. This realization fueled his desire for dialogue. His role as an announcer at numerous events allowed him to connect closely with many eminent personalities, creating opportunities for deeper understanding of literature, music, drama, painting, dance, cinema, and other creative forms. These interviews serve as windows to a multitude of questions and discussions about cultural interventions, contemporary challenges, and the struggles faced by creators.
Vinay further noted that the interviews capture voices that resonate with history, revealing untold and unique narratives that illuminate the philosophical and practical truths of human concerns and the beauty of life within India’s rich knowledge tradition.
He concluded by stating that India has a long-standing tradition of impactful interviews, dialogues, and debates, which have opened new avenues for knowledge and skill.
