Kaif Bhopali: Remembering A Forgotten Poet-Lyricist
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
24 February
2024
I'm in the
habit of looking for tributes and obituaries on Urdu poets on their birth and
death anniversaries. So, when I didn't find even a fleeting mention of the
poet-lyricist Kaif Bhopali on his birth anniversary on February 20, I
felt sad.
Kaif
Bhopali and Asad Bhopali, yet another ill-fated contemporary poet-lyricist from
Bhopal, never got the recognition they deserved. In a highly competitive world
of song-writing for Hindi films when there were stalwarts like Sahir, Kaifi,
Majrooh, Shakeel, Shailendra, Hasrat, among others who were getting regular
works, it was indeed difficult for a simple and self-effacing man like Kaif to
find a place and write prolifically. Yet, he immortalised himself by writing 'Chalo
Dildaar Chalo Chaand Ke Paar Chalo,'
'Teer-e-Nazar Dekhenge, Zakhm-e-Jigar Dekhenge' (both from Pakeezah,
1972) and a rare gem of a song, 'Apne Aap Raaton Mein Chilmanein Sarakti
Hain' (Lata, Film: Shankar Hussain, 1977). Kaif became more popular
as a poet whose Ghazals, Nazms and couplets instantaneously struck a
chord with the connoisseurs and Mubassir (discerning) readers and
listeners of Urdu poetry. His poetry didn't revolve around love and beloved.
Kaif also wrote serious and meaningful poetry. The following couplets will
buttress my point:
Mai-Kasho
Aage Badho, Tishna Labo Aage Badho
Apna Haq
Maanga Nahin Jaata Hai, Chheena Jaata Hai
(Those
who're athirst, must march forward to quench their thirst, for, one mustn't beg
for one's rights but snatch them).
This
couplet reminds you of Sahir's famous couplet, Apna Haq Sangdil Zamane Se
Chheen Pao Toh Koi Baat Bane/ Sar Jhukane Se Kuchh Nahin Hoga, Sar Uthao Toh
Koi Baat Bane (Film: Naya Raasta, 1970, sung by Rafi).
This
couplet has greater significance in these times, when there's an oppressive and
despotic government at the helm. But are the masses aware of their fundamental
rights like a decent life, job, house and two square meals? Do we question the
current political dispensation regarding our basic rights? Alas, we're all much
more concerned about temples, mosques, Ram, Sita and Hanuman. This is so
sad.
And
Chalte Hain
Bach Ke Shaikh O Barahman Ke Saaye Se
Apna Yahi
Amal Hai Bure Aadmi Ke Saath
(I avoid
the company of Shaikh and Brahman / This is how I treat dubious
and shady characters). Shaikh and Brahman, the veritable contractors of faith (Mazhab
Ke Thekedaar) must be avoided like pariahs. They're the people who foment
all troubles and brew religious differences.
Kaif once
recited a couplet in a private gathering in Bombay, "Mazhab Se Khud Ko
Jitna Door Rakha/ Utna Main Insaan Ke Qareeb Aaya" (The more I
distanced myself from religion, the closer I came to humans). So true to the
last syllable! The more you keep yourself away from religion and its murky
business/ The more you align with your fellow humans. Strangely, I didn't find
this couplet when I rummaged through Kaif's oeuvre in Urdu. I read this in an
article in now-defunct Urdu Risala (magazine) 'Beesveen Sadi.'
Kaif will
remain ensconced in the hearts of people like yours truly who value perspicuous
poetry, regardless of the language it's written or spoken in.
------
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/kaif-bhopali-poet-lyricist-/d/131786
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