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. --- '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. ----- 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 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