Filmmaker, music composer and singer Vishal Bhardwaj paid an emotional tribute to the enduring legacy of Khazana-A Festival of Ghazals while speaking at the announcement of its Silver Jubilee edition, describing the festival as a remarkable blend of musical excellence and humanitarian commitment. Over the past 25 years, Khazana has emerged as one of India’s most celebrated charity music festivals, raising funds for cancer patients while preserving and promoting the rich tradition of ghazals. Recalling his college days, Vishal said he grew up listening to stalwarts such as Talat Aziz, Anup Jalota and the late Pankaj Udhas, whom he and his contemporaries regarded as “rockstars.”“We were in college when we used to listen to all of you, Talat Ji, Anup Ji and Pankaj Udhas Ji. We used to attend it and for us, aap loh rockstars hua karte theyy. It was a time when the ghazal had made a strong comeback. Uss waqkt ghazal wapis aayi thi,” he said.Reflecting on the changing landscape of Indian music, Vishal observed that independent music has often flourished whenever mainstream film music has experienced a creative lull. “Film music jab jab kharab hone lagta tha toh independent music upar aata tha. Humein yaad hai, jab pehli baar Jagjit saab ka ‘Baat Niklegi To Phir Door Talak’ became like an anthem, then Pankaj Ji’s Deewaron Se Milkar Rona’and Talat ji’s ‘Kaise Sukoon Paoon’. Those songs defined an era.”Commending the festival’s longevity, Vishal said it was remarkable that Khazana had continued uninterrupted for a quarter of a century, thanks to the contributions of several individuals.“The fact that this festival began so many years ago and continues even today is truly remarkable. Many people have contributed to its journey. I joined much later, but Pankaj Ji’s leadership was exceptional.” Paying a heartfelt tribute to the late ghazal maestro, Vishal described Khazana as the fruition of Pankaj Udhas’ deeply compassionate vision. “The seed of empathy that existed within Pankaj Udhas blossomed into this entire ‘Khazana’. What he did for cancer patients is extraordinary. Such an initiative is only possible when you genuinely feel that compassion in your heart.”Summing up the festival’s emotional essence, Bhardwaj recited a poignant couplet: “Maine sandook-e-dard khola tha, ek purani khushi si haath aayi.”He added that the verse perfectly captures the spirit of Khazana, a celebration where music transforms pain into hope, preserving cherished memories while touching countless lives through charity.The Silver Jubilee edition is expected to bring together some of the country’s finest ghazal exponents (including Anup Jalota, Hariharan,Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj, Sonu Nigam, Javed Ali, Sudeep Banerji, Madhubanti Bagchi, Sunil Mungee, Aleena Bharti and Tejas Gambhir) in a celebration of music, remembrance and philanthropy, honouring a legacy that has become synonymous with both artistic excellence and social purpose. The 25th edition of the two-day charity festival (July 24-25) will be held at the Trident Hotel.