Remembering 'Qateel' Shifai's Simple And Snug Poetry
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
24 December
2023
Just the
way, we remember Sahir, Majrooh, Shakeel and Kaifi as poet-lyricists of the
first water, Muhammad Aurangzeb 'Qateel' Shifai is also remembered in Pakistan
as a poet-lyricist par excellence. That doesn't mean 'Qateel' is not popular in
India. Countless Indian fans of his poetry vouch for the greatness of a poet
who left an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of the connoisseurs of
Urdu poetry.
December 24 is 'Qateel' Shifai's 104th Birth
Anniversary.
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'Qateel'
wrote lyrics for quite a few Hindi films. Who can forget his immortal Ghazal
couched in simple Urdu: Apne Haathon Ki Lakeeron Mein Basa Le Mujh Ko/ Main Hoon
Tera Naseeb Apna Bana Le Mujh Ko ? Or that immortal Ghazal which stays with
you forever: Garmi-e-Hasrat-e-Naakaam Se Jal Jaate Hain/ Hum Charaghon Ki
Tarah Shaam Se Jal Jaate Hain. 'Qateel' was a poet sans pretensions.
He never
considered himself to be a poet, writing exclusively for the intellectuals and
high-brows. "Shayari Meri Awaam Ke Liye Hai/ Main Chuninda Logon Ki
Khaatir Nahin Likhta" (My poetry is for the masses/ I don't write for
a select few). Because of this simplicity and modesty, "Qateel' could
strike an instant rapport with the readers of all hues: Aakhri Hichki Tere
Zaanun Pe Aaye/ Maut Bhi Main Shyarana Chahta Hoon (I want to have my last
hiccup on your lap/ I want death should also be poetic and aesthetic). 'Qateel'
was a poet of romanticism and didn't dabble much in life's complexities: Hayaat
Ki Mushkilein Auron Ko Suljhane Do/ Mujhe Zara Der Ke Liye Un Ki Zulfon Mein
Ulajhne Do (Let others solve the intricacies of life/ Please allow me to
play with her tresses).
One of the
most famous couplets of 'Qateel' is every suitor's infallible mantra: Uff Woh
Marmar-Sa Tarasha Hua Shaffaaf Badan/ Dekhne Wale Use Taaj-Mahal Kahte Hain
(Oh, that marble-sculpted transparent body/ Beholders call you Taj-Mahal). This
couplet can floor any woman provided she has a sense and understanding of Urdu
poetry. 'Qateel' was an observer and a generous teacher who never sounded
didactic. This couplet will prove that: Le Mere Tajrubon Se Sabaq Ae Mere
Raqeeb/ Do-Chaar Saal Umra Mein Tujh Se Bada Hoon Main (Oh, my rival
suitor, please learn a lesson from my experiences/ I'm a few years older than
you). This is from his famous Ghazal, 'Sadma Toh Hai Mujhe Bhi Tujh Se Juda
Hoon Main/ Lekin Ye Sochta Hoon, Ab Tera Kya Hoon Main.' This long Ghazal
of 'Qateel' also had a lovely couplet: Pahuncha Jo Tere Dar Pe Toh Mahsoos
Ye Hua/ Lambi-Si Ek Qataar Mein Jaise Khada Hoon Main ( When I reached your
door, I realized/ As if, I was standing in a long queue).
One of my
personal favourites from Qateel's quill is: Jeet Le Jaye Koi Mujh Ko
Naseebon Wala/ Zindagi Ne Mujhe Daanv Pe Laga Rakkha Hai (Some fortunate
person should win me/ Life has put me on stake).
One must
read his autobiography, "Ghungroo Toot Gaye." It's a
compendium of anecdotes. The book broke
out many hidden facts about film industry and literary circles and revealed
some interesting facts from the personal lives of legendary personalities like
Sahir Ludhianvi, Noor Jahan and Iqbal Bano. Reading 'Qateel' is always a
relaxing experience because his poetry warms the cockles of your heart and
makes you feel snugly at home.
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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/qateel-shifai-snug-poetry/d/131371
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