Bayān-e-Ghālib: Sangeet Natak Academy, Lucknow, 19th May, 7 PM

 

I am a railway engineer by trade. I love poetry. Without any pretentions of being a connoisseur, not your typical topied (donning the Indian head-dress) or top-hat-wearing scholar by miles. No charade here—just an ordinary soul head over heels for Urdu and English poetry, especially the masters, Ghālib and Shakespeare, the rockstars of verses.

 

My expertise in poetry? Let us say it hovers around the "enthusiastic amateur" level. No formal education beyond Pre-University level in any form of literature. But hey, I do not just read their poetry; I feel it with all my heart. Equaling or excelling me in this love affair with verses is great legion of folks sailing in the same boat. We adore these poets without needing a degree in "Appreciating Poetry A to Z". Scholars, bless them, dissect lines while we  vibe to the rhythm.

 

Why Shakespeare and Ghālib? My journey into the realms of their genius began under the guidance of a remarkable teacher, Late HL Dutt, Principal of Covin Taluqdars’ College, during the early 1970s. His impassioned teachings illuminated the profound beauty of Shakespeare's plays, igniting a lasting admiration within me for the bard's craft.

 

On another path, my Lucknow friends and other companions later introduced me to the enchanting world of delectable and meaningful Urdu poetry. Among the luminaries of this realm, Mirza Ghālib's name shines brilliantly. Isn't Ghālib synonymous with the essence of profound Urdu verse?

 

Thus, my affection for these two masters flourished, bridging two centuries, spanning thousands of miles, and embracing two distinct cultures. In their works, I find a shared resonance that transcends time and geography, enriching my soul with the timeless beauty of human expression.

 

Did I stop at that? I have made a sincere endeavor to gather the works of two esteemed poets and collate them with plausible juxtapositions in a book titled "Shakespeare and Ghālib, a collation by their self-styled nephew”, arrogating to myself the status of a nephew to Chachā (uncle) Ghālib & great uncle Shakespeare. A collection of profound creations and reflections from these two literary giants, curated by an engineer who, while not steeped in the intricacies of literature or art, offers a perspective which can enthuse many a kindred spirit, uneducated in literature but navigating the uncharted waters just as I have been trying to do. Available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9391465277

I did have a scholar buddy glance at the draft of the book. Smart move, he didn't critique it. Instead, he hinted that less erudite readers might actually find some sense in it. His additional advice? Spice it up and turn those poetic intricacies into a hilarious spoof! So I started writing occasional blogs of poetic pow wows and shenanigans of the two greats. Now, as the first book sails on, rather unexpectedly, I am now trying to dish out this series of literary spoofs cleverly disguised as a book. It is my attempt to nudge fellow poetry lovers into a chuckle, but once again with a clear warning for learned scholars to stay away lest they find the work frivolous—no offence intended! The book should be out soon.

 

What more? Why not present something on stage with narration, recitation, music and dance to cover the life, times and works of these two greats? So here I am, beginning the with Chachā Ghālib.

 

Hogā koī aisā bhī ki Ghālib ko na jaane

shā.ir to vo achchhā hai pa badnām bahut hai

(badnām: defamed, maligned)

 

Simply translated: Could there be any individual who would not know Ghalib? As good a poet as he is, he is pretty ill-famed as well.

 

Reading between the lines, it is quite a challenge to picture anyone unfamiliar with Ghalib's works, considering his towering presence in the world of poetry. However, ironically, his unparalleled fame is sometimes tinged with a hint of infamy, stemming from the envy, avarice, and ignorance of lesser mortals. This intriguing blend of bountiful adulation and occasional criticism adds depth to his towering persona, forming a captivating paradox within his legacy. 

Experience the captivating fusion of powerful narration and recitation, ghazal renditions, and enchanting Kathak dance in ‘Bayān-e-Ghālib’, a tribute to the legendary poet Mirza Ghālib. Join us at the Sant Gadge auditorium within the premises of the Sangeet Natak Academy on Sunday, the 19th May at 7 PM.  

Mirza Beg Asadullah Khan, affectionately known as Mirza Ghālib, stands as an icon in Urdu literature, his poetic brilliance transcending borders and time. Beyond his timeless and ethereal verses, Ghālib's letters are revered as masterpieces of Urdu prose, offering profound insights into his life and era. 

In this presentation, Ghālib's essence comes alive through a meticulously crafted script adapted from his letters by Ghālib scholar Syed Kabeer Ahmad. As his poetic verses resonate in the air, the soulful renditions by Dr. Prabha Srivastava evoke deep emotions, accompanied by the graceful movements of Kathak, skillfully performed by the disciples of the renowned exponent Dr. Kumkum Dhar under her intense tutelage. 

Narrated by Syed Kabeer Ahmad punctuated by recitation by Ghālib enthusiast Sudhanshu Mani, the performance intricately weaves together the tapestry of Ghālib's life and times, offering a glimpse into the world that shaped his genius. 

This program stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Ghālib's magic and metaphors, skillfully brought to life by a group of Lucknowites deeply inspired by his legacy. While it is known that Ghālib did not particularly relish his time in Lucknow for extrinsic reasons, the team behind this creation chooses to view it as a unique tribute that only the denizens of Lucknow could conceive and execute with such heartfelt dedication.

Haiñ aur bhī duniyā meñ suḳhan-var bahut achchhe
kahte haiñ ki Ghālib kā hai andāz-e-bayāñ aur
(suḳhan-var: eloquent poet, andāz-e-bayāñ: style of narration.  

Although there be in this world many great poets but the style of narration of Ghālib stands unparalleled. 

Though the world boasts many great poets, none quite rival the distinctive narrative style of Ghālib. This aur (different, special), that something different, that something special, is not very easy to delineate; the essence of his works is ineffable, a unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary. Capturing this elusive quality is no simple task, but it is precisely this that this production endeavours to convey to the audience.

Another audacious endeavor by an amateur? Perhaps. Yet, I have shrewdly sought refuge behind the esteemed names from the world of performing arts. Thus, it can scarcely be dismissed as a mere dalliance of a dilettante. Join us for an evening of cultural immersion, where direction and lighting by Gopal Sinha and production by Sudhanshu Mani enhance the enchantment of Ghālib's poetry and prose, creating an unforgettable experience for all. 

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