Cadences Became Verses When Naushad Wrote Poetry
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
26 December
2023
"Mera Daaman Se Lipatana Aap Shayad Bhool
Gaye
Mujh Ko Ab Tak Aap Ka Daaman Chhudana Yaad Hai
"
-Naushad Ali
(You may
have forgotten my passionate tying up with the hem of your apparel/ But, I
still remember how ruthless was your farewell)
Years ago,
a Pakistani Hindu friend of mine, Shyamnarayan Jaiswal, got his Doctorate in
Urdu from Punjab University, Lahore. When I asked him what his topic for PhD
was, he told me that it was "Naushad Ali Ki Shayari Mein Hashmat-e-Tanhai"
(Wealth of solitude in Naushad's poetry).
Exposed
only to Persian poetry, my exposure to Urdu poetry at that time was limited to
reading Ghalib, Mir, Momin, Zauq, Daagh, among others. So, it was kind of a
revelation to me. I began to read Naushad's Shayari and realized that
his profound poetry got snowed under the avalanche of his innumerable immortal
compositions. In other words, his poetry was eclipsed by his exquisite music.
Just the way, Mughal prince Dara Shikoh's remarkable contributions to vegetarian
cuisine were overwhelmed by his erudition and treatises on recondite
metaphysical subjects, Naushad also didn't get that much recognition as a poet,
almost as good as his friend Shakeel Badayuni, who was a great poet-lyricist.
Just
remember his famous Sher, "Na Mandir Mein Sanam Hote Na Masjid
Mein Khuda Hota/ Hameen Se Ye Tamasha Hai, Na Hum Hote Toh Kya Hota" (Neither
would have been idols in temples, nor would there have been any Allah in the
mosque/ This charade is because of humans, what happened had we never existed).
This couplet is extremely relevant in these times when Hindus and Muslims are
sparring over temples, mosques, gods and Khuda.
How can an
aspiring Urdu poet ignore Naushad's friendly advice when he suggests, "Karna
Hai Shayari Agar 'Naushad'/ 'Mir' Ka Kulliyaat Yaad Karo" (Naushad, if
you want to master the art of poetry/ Memorise the entire oeuvre of Mir Taqi
Mir)? The poignancy of Naushad's poetry is very appealing. Here's an example, "Aabadiyon
Mein Dasht Ka Manzar Bhi Aayega/ Guzroge Shahar Se Toh Mera Ghar Bhi
Aayega" (Passing through the localities, you'll get to see an arid
plain as well/ Travelling through the city, my house will also appear on the
way). His wistfulness is particularly poignant when he says, "Zindagi Mukhtasar
Mili Thi Humein/ Hasratein Beshumaar Le Ke Chale" (I got a limited
span of life/ Leaving the theatre with countless unfulfilled wishes). The
generosity of his spirit will move you, "Thokarein Khaiye, Patthar Bhi
Uthate Chaliye/ Aane Walon Ke Liye Raah Banate Rahiye" (Even if you
stumble, pick up the stones/ Make the path clear for the travellers to come).
His philosophical bent of mind also strikes the readers, compelling them to
think that, "Duniya Kahin Jo Banti Hai, Mit-Ti Zaroor Hai/ Parde Ke
Peechhe Koi Na Koi Zaroor Hai" (Wherever a new world emerges, it also
gets obliterated/ There must be someone behind the curtain). Naushad's
observation is bang on: "Ye Duniya Haqeeqat Ki Qail Nahin Hai/ Fasane Sunao,
Fasane Bahut Hain" (The worlds not bothered about the Truth/ Narrate
stories; there're many). So very true! We're not interested in truths, facts
and realities. We're obsessed with false narratives which are a dime a dozen
these days.
Had Dada
Sahab Phalke Award winner Naushad focused only on poetry, he'd have achieved
greater success. By the way, the title of his poetry is, Aathwaan Sur, a
very apt one. It's time to further explore Naushad's poetry and delve into the
depths and crevices of his poetic self. Since Naushad was a musician par
excellence, there's a natural musicality in his ghazals. Cadences became verses
when Naushad wrote poetry. Do read him.
-----
December
26 is the Birth Anniversary of legendary music director Naushad Ali.
-----
A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in
comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed
articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including
Persian.
URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/cadences-verses-naushad-poetry/d/131383
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