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 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism