At Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School, on June 21, 2025
This story was revised at 9.15 pm on June 1, 2025
Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 1, 2025
New Zealanders have been promised an extraordinary evening of Hindi poetry and entertainment later this month.
Organised by 4U Entertainment NZ, the event will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School and feature the legendary Poet and Padmashri Awardee Surender Sharma.
Among the highlights of the evening will also be the appearance of Chirag Jain and Manisha Shukla.
Organiser Prem Upadhyay claimed that the audience will be treated to “an unforgettable experience, blending humour, satire, and heartfelt poetry.”
“Whether you are an ardent admirer of Hindi poetry or a newcomer eager to experience its magic, Hasya Kavi Sammelan promises an evening filled with laughter, reflection, and artistic brilliance. With satire, romance, and cultural commentary woven into every verse, this event will leave an indelible mark on New Zealand’s literary and entertainment scene,” he said.
Mr Upadhyay said that Surender Sharma, known for his signature deadpan humour and witty observations on life, has been a leading figure in Hindi satirical poetry for decades.
“His performances are a masterclass in comic timing and social commentary. Joining him is Chirag Jain, a sharp and fearless voice in modern Hindi satire. Bringing balance to the evening is the poetic brilliance of Manisha Shukla, whose lyrical verses weave romance and emotion into the event’s atmosphere. Her eloquent expressions and poetic finesse provide a soulful counterpoint to the satirical humour, creating a compelling and immersive experience for poetry lovers and new audiences alike,” he said.
Surender Sharma: Distinctive Style and Blended Satire
Surender Sharma is a renowned Indian poet, writer, and humourist, best known for his witty and satirical poetry. Born in 1945 in Nangal Choudhary, Haryana, he pursued his education at Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University.
He gained popularity for his humorous poetry, often revolving around everyday life, particularly husband-wife relationships, delivered in his signature Haryanavi dialect.
His contributions to literature and poetry earned him the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2013, one of India’s high civilian honours. Over the years, he has held significant positions, including Vice-Chairman of the Hindi Academy, Government of Delhi, and Vice-President of Haryana Sahitya Academy. He has also been a member of the Central Board of Film Certification.
Literature and Audience Engagement
Apart from his literary achievements, Mr Sharma has hosted radio shows, edited poetry collections, and performed across India, making people laugh with his sharp humour. His ability to blend satire with social commentary has made him a beloved figure in Hindi literature.
Mr Sharma is celebrated for his distinctive style of comic poetry, which blends satire with everyday observations. His performances are marked by his signature phrase, ‘Chaar Lainaa Suna Raha Hoon’ meaning “I am rendering four lines,’ which he delivers in a deadpan style that leaves audiences in stitches. His poetry often revolves around husband-wife relationships, social issues, and human nature, making his work relatable and universally appealing.
Mr Sharma has been a regular performer at Kavi Sammelans, where poets gather to recite their works in front of live audiences. His ability to turn mundane situations into hilarious anecdotes has made him a favourite at such events. His performances are not just limited to poetry gatherings; he has also hosted radio shows, including ‘Sharma Ji Se Poocho’ on Red FM 93.5, where he entertained listeners with his witty takes on life.
Published Works
His published works include ‘Mansarovar Ke Kauwe,’ ‘Buddhimaanon Ki Moorkhtaaein,’ ‘Bade-Badon Ke Utpaat,’ and ‘Mujhse Bhala Na Koy,’ all of which showcase his sharp humour and keen observational skills. His poetry and performances have earned him accolades, including the Kaka Hathrasi Hasya Samman, further cementing his legacy in Hindi literature.
Surender Sharma’s performances often revolve around humour, satire, and social commentary. His poetry and storytelling frequently explore themes such as Husband-Wife Relationships, Middle-Class Life, Political and Social Satire, Human Nature and Psychology and Cultural and Linguistic Identity. His ability to blend wit with wisdom has made him a beloved figure in Hindi literature and performance poetry.
Chirag Jain
Chirag Jain is a distinguished poet and satirist whose sharp wit and fearless approach to social commentary have made him a prominent figure in modern Hindi literature. His poetry is a blend of humour, satire, and keen observations on contemporary society, often addressing political and cultural issues with a fresh perspective.
Chirag’s performances are marked by his ability to engage audiences with intelligent wordplay and thought-provoking narratives, making him a sought-after presence at literary festivals and television programmes. A regular performer at Kavi Sammelans, he has captivated audiences with his dynamic stage presence and ability to turn everyday situations into compelling poetic expressions. His work has been featured on popular television shows, including Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! and Laugh India Laugh, where his satirical poetry has resonated with viewers.
His literary contributions extend beyond performance, as he has authored several books that showcase his mastery of satire and social critique.
Manisha Shukla
Manisha Shukla is a celebrated poetess known for her lyrical and deeply emotive poetry that explores themes of love, longing, and human relationships. Her verses are infused with a delicate balance of romance and introspection, making her a favourite among audiences who appreciate poetry that touches the heart.
Manisha’s ability to weave emotions into words has earned her a reputation as a poet who can evoke profound feelings through her performances.
Her poetry often draws on personal experiences and universal emotions, creating a connection with listeners that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. She has performed at numerous Kavi Sammelans, where her eloquence and poetic finesse have complemented the more satirical and humorous elements of such events.
Manisha’s work is not limited to live performances; she has also contributed to literary publications and digital platforms, ensuring that her poetry reaches a wider audience. Her presence in the world of Hindi poetry continues to grow, bringing a refreshing depth to contemporary poetic expression.
Mr Upadhyay said that Hasya Kavi Sammelan is not just an evening of entertainment but a cultural milestone celebrating the richness of Hindi literature in New Zealand.
“We are dedicated to promoting South Asian entertainment and 4U Entertainment NZ is proud of the success of its celebrity concerts, cultural festivals, and now, this landmark poetic gathering. From event planning to production and ticketing, we aim to ensure a seamless experience, making it the go-to name for unforgettable live performances,” he said.
