Mumbai Audience Immersed in Poetry and Ragas at 4 PM Tehzeeb
The first edition of '4 PM Tehzeeb', an initiative that combines music, literature, cinema and thoughtful conversation, opened to a strong response in Mumbai. The event, held on October 24 at the Veda Kunj Auditorium in Andheri West, drew large crowds, and the hall was completely full.
The event featured singer Vaishnavi Sharma, whose performance drew in listeners from several parts of the city. Many attendees had made the journey from distant neighbourhoods, which added to the sense that this was the beginning of something significant.
As the audience settled in, the chatter in the auditorium gave way to silence once Vaishnavi Sharma began to sing. Her voice carried listeners into the world of the poems she performed. By linking poetic sentiment with the ragas of Indian classical music, her presentations allowed words and notes to resonate together with the audience.
The evening's distinctive feature was the blend of verse and classical ragas. 'Ram Ki Chetavani' was performed in Raag Bairagi Bhairav, while 'Virat Jayi' drew on Raag Madhuvanti. 'Kupit Yagyaseni' brought in Raag Puriya Dhanashri and Pantuvarali, and 'Sab Anhad Hai' was performed with Raag Jaijaivanti and Bhairavi. These pieces let the audience connect with the meaning of each poem, its emotional core and the depth of the music.
The programme moved between different emotional registers, from the force of poetry to intense feeling and quiet calm. Vaishnavi Sharma communicated each of these moods through her voice and style. The packed hall and the complete absorption of the audience turned the event into something special, and the positive response to the first presentation boosted the organisers' spirits.
Introducing the concept of '4 PM Tehzeeb' at the beginning, senior journalist and filmmaker Sanjay Sharma, who also directed and produced the film 'Sahiya', described the evening as the first link in an ongoing cultural journey. He said one event would take place every month, where audiences could meet artists from the worlds of music, literature, acting and dialogue.
Sanjay Sharma explained that after establishing itself in journalism, 4 PM was now moving toward a stronger presence in music and cinema. He expressed confidence that the brand would emerge as a notable name in the film and entertainment industry. The purpose of 'Tehzeeb', he said, is to create gatherings where artists and viewers sit together, enjoy art and understand one another's experiences.
According to him, the platform would also open doors for new talent alongside established names. Preserving and sharing the rich traditions of music and literature, and making such programmes a regular feature, are the core priorities of the initiative. The enthusiastic participation of the audience at the first event had strengthened that resolve.
Discussing 4 PM's upcoming plans, Sanjay Sharma said new songs would be released every month under '4 PM Music', and short films would be made monthly under '4 PM Films'. He said the organisation would keep working to provide a stage for strong stories, fresh perspectives and talented artists. Through music, film and cultural programmes, the aim is to build a warm and comprehensive relationship with audiences.
He also spoke at length about his film 'Sahiya', its theme and the story of its production. He explained that the film's screening has been halted because it has not received approval from the Censor Board, and the matter is now before the court. Under a High Court order, the Censor Board is required to give its final verdict on the film by October 27. He hoped the film would reach audiences and receive their affection.
Alongside the crowd that came to hear Vaishnavi Sharma, many also came to meet Sanjay Sharma. For those who had followed him through journalism, the meeting was a unique experience. The evening, filled with music, conversation and closeness, brought artists, organisers and listeners together in a shared cultural experience.
At the close, Babita Chaturvedi, MD of 4 PM, extended heartfelt thanks to everyone present. She said she was sincerely grateful that people had come from far away, listened to the music with such care and warmth, and embraced the first effort so generously. Their presence and affection, she said, were a major motivation for the team.
Babita Chaturvedi, who is herself a good singer, said music connects people and that the series of intimate musical evenings and cultural meetings under '4 PM Tehzeeb' would continue going forward.