Vikramotsav 2025 witnessed a historic addition with the first-ever Ujjayini Antakshari competition, blending Bollywood melodies with Sanskrit shlokas and Hindi dohas. Hosted by veteran actor Dr. Annu Kapoor, the event captivated thousands at Tower Chowk.
The competition, coordinated by Studio Refuel’s producer Kumarr, combined musical entertainment with literary heritage. Nearly 7,000 spectators transformed Ujjain’s historic heart into a vibrant musical arena.
A Unique Fusion of Music and Literature
For the first time, contestants performed Bollywood songs alongside Sanskrit shlokas and Hindi poetry, offering a fresh take on Antakshari. This fusion of music and literature celebrated Ujjain’s cultural legacy in a unique way.
Dr. Annu Kapoor mesmerized the audience with a live rendition of “Deewana Hua Baadal,” encouraging the crowd to join in. His energetic performance turned the venue into a chorus of nostalgic melodies.
Exciting Quiz Rounds on Bollywood Connections
A special round challenged participants to connect Bollywood celebrities through familial ties while performing songs from their films. Some intriguing questions included:
What is the relation between Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam and Vijayta Pandit?
What is the connection between Rajendra Kumar and Sanjay Dutt?
How are Mumtaz and Hrithik Roshan related?
Aaj Tak journalist Amit Tyagi impressed the audience by correctly answering some of the toughest questions of the evening.
Tower Chowk Erupts as ‘Havan Karenge’ Plays
One of the most electrifying moments of the night came when a Bollywood film scene was displayed on screen, prompting the audience to sing the corresponding song. Enthusiasm soared when “Havan Karenge” played, as the crowd erupted in dance and celebration.
Fierce Competition Among Six Teams
Six teams—Deewane, Mastane, Parwane, Afsane, Yaarane, and Tarane—competed in a thrilling musical showdown. Their performances wove together Bollywood classics with poetry and shlokas, marking the first time such a literary fusion had been introduced in Ujjain’s Antakshari.
The event began with a traditional Malwa-style welcome for Dr. Annu Kapoor by Ujjain Municipal Corporation President Kalavati Yadav, University Senate Member Rajesh Singh Kushwaha, and other dignitaries.
A New Cultural Tradition in the Making
The success of this unique Antakshari has set the stage for future editions, with organizers hinting at making it a permanent fixture of Vikramotsav. By integrating Bollywood melodies with Sanskrit and Hindi literary traditions, the event reaffirmed Ujjain’s position as a cultural powerhouse.
