AKLF 2026 kicks off with Usha Uthup and Madhabi Mukherjee

The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) 2026 was inaugurated on a memorable note this morning with a special session celebrating two enduring cultural icons of the city—legendary singer Usha Uthup and acclaimed actor Madhabi Mukherjee.The inauguration began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Usha Uthup, Madhabi Mukherjee, Festival Director Anjum Katyal, Oxford Bookstore CEO Swagat Sengupta, Festival Programming Head Neeta Sreedharan, and Alipore Museum Director Jayanta Sengupta. Usha Uthup, fondly known as Usha Di, set a devotional tone by rendering a soulful Shiv Vandana.The opening session also marked the AKLF launch of Madhabi’s Garden, the English translation of Madhabikanon, Madhabi Mukherjee’s autobiography, translated by Arunava Sinha. The conversation—featuring Usha Uthup, Madhabi Mukherjee, and Arunava Sinha, and moderated by Oindrilla Dutt—reflected on cinema, music, creativity, and lives devoted to the arts.Madhabi Mukherjee shared anecdotes from her journey, recalling her formative years and experiences working with stalwarts such as Shishir Bhaduri, Chhabi Biswas, Kanan Devi, Satyajit Ray, and Ritwik Ghatak, including humorous memories of avoiding Ghatak on set. Arunava Sinha spoke about translating her autobiography and the deep cultural imprint she has left on audiences worldwide.Usha Uthup also reflected on the shared storytelling spirit of literature and music, underscoring AKLF’s role as a cultural confluence. The session concluded on a lively note with Usha Uthup performing a medley of Shaan and Ramba Ho, captivating the audience and setting the tone for the festival’s 2026 edition.