Renowned folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Malini Awasthi created a memorable moment at Moneycontrol’s UP Tech Next Summit on Tuesday when she dedicated an impromptu rendition of the popular Uttar Pradesh wedding song “Najariya Lagi Jayegi” to her husband Awanish Kumar Awasthi on their 38th wedding anniversary. Awanish Awasthi is currently serving as adviser to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Seated in the audience, Malini was invited on stage for a brief interaction with the host, where she revealed that the day marked exactly 38 years of their marriage. Without hesitation, she delighted everyone present by singing the traditional folk number usually heard at north Indian weddings, earning loud applause from the gathering that included industry leaders and senior officials.

Speaking about the institution of marriage, Malini emphasised its role in preserving Indian traditions and culture. “Any marriage requires a lot of understanding and companionship where you surrender your ego,” she said, adding light-heartedly, “Do get married and have children as fast as possible.” The couple are proud parents to son Adwitiya and daughter Ananya.

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Malini Awasthi, a classically trained musician, is celebrated for her mastery over various folk forms in dialects such as Braj, Bundeli, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Kashika – the distinctive mix of Bhojpuri and Hindi spoken in Varanasi. Over the years she has worked tirelessly to document and popularise India’s rich folk heritage on national and international platforms.

The heart-warming episode at an otherwise technology-focused summit highlighted the perfect blend of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural depth with its growing modern aspirations, leaving the audience touched by the couple’s enduring bond and Malini’s spontaneous musical tribute to 38 years of togetherness.

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