Celebrating Words That Live On: WWI Marks Poetry Day with a Tribute to Anand Bakshi

Mumbai, Aug 18, 2026- For most young lyricists and filmmakers in India, a conversation with Indian cinema's biggest names is a career milestone, not a classroom fixture. At Whistling Woods International (WWI), students got exactly that: at the institute's annual Art & Poetry Day, held to mark the birth anniversary of legendary lyricist Anand Bakshi- through an engaging and enlightening masterclass with theatre director Salim Arif, featuring renowned lyricist Irshad Kamil, author and screenwriter Rakesh Bakshi, and Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai, Aslam Hassan.

The session reflected the essence of poetry, Salim Arif spoke about its timeless ability to capture the deepest human emotions and its enduring role as the foundation of meaningful storytelling across generations. The evening also marked the launch of two literary works: Rakesh Bakshi's book on his father, published in four languages, and Aslam Hassan's poetry collection, Potli Mein Chand.

Speaking about the event, Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman of Whistling Woods International, said, "Art and poetry are the soul of India. They give voice to emotions that visual storytelling alone cannot capture. Celebrating the legendary Anand Bakshi Ji's legacy is our way of reminding the next generation of creative talent that timeless cinema is always built on the foundation of powerful and heartfelt words."

One of India's most celebrated lyricists, Irshad Kamil encouraged students to stay true to their experiences, embrace authenticity and trust the power of words. He inspired aspiring writers and filmmakers to remain curious, observe life deeply and believe that honest storytelling always resonates.

Speaking about his father, Rakesh Bakshi fondly recalled the extraordinary friendship and creative partnership shared by Anand Bakshi and Subhash Ghai, describing it as one built on mutual respect, trust and artistic excellence. He also referred to Subhash Ghai as "a born teacher," acknowledging his lifelong commitment to nurturing generations of creative talent.

The event also showcased the talent of WWI students through musical performances and original poetry recitals, and in one of the evening's most memorable moments, a Music student spontaneously composed a tune inspired by the discussion on stage, drawing enthusiastic applause from the panelists themselves. It was a reminder of what direct access to working legends can do: turn a classroom conversation into a live creative exchange, not just a lecture.

The annual Art & Poetry Day reflects Whistling Woods International's continued commitment to preserving India's rich literary heritage while giving its students something increasingly rare in creative education: direct, sustained access to the people who have shaped the industry.