Mir and some Ghazal Mausiki...

“Hazaaron Khwaaishen aisii, ki har Khwaaish pe dam nikale
bahut nikale mere armaan, lekin, phir bhii kam nikale” - Ghalib

I suspect, the advent of private channels, reality shows, hip-hop, have diminished the popularity of Ghazals and Mushaira. And I hope Ghazal gayaki doesn’t become nayaab (rare). Thanks to Mehdi Hasan, Farida Khanum, Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh, Rajendra Mehta, Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz, Chandan Das, Hariharan etc, for making Ghazal - abaad (prosper). The singers have rightfully become famous but, ironically the writers haven’t ..Afsos!

Although, I am yet to pick the finer nuances of Urdu, but it hasn’t precluded me from enjoying ghazals. It’s not just the mausiki (rendition) and music but the verses and mood in ghazals that captivates the ardent ghazal lovers.

Typically Classical music comprises of ‘Sur’, ‘Taal’ and ‘Laya’, based on appropriate 'Raag' and this siqafaat (culture) is beautifully followed in Ghazals. In its simplest form, the Tabla renders ‘Taal’, harmonium/ other instruments - ‘Laya’, while the singer resonates ‘Sur’- meticulously and melodiously bringing the rich Farsi / Urdu expressions to life.

For the uninitiated, Ghazal originated in Iran and introduced in India by Moguls (12th century). Amir Khusro Dehlavi pioneered Ghazal in North, but it received patronage from rulers in Deccan. Basically a ghazal is a short poem (not more than 7-8 couplets) in the same meter (Beher – Length of a sher) and comprises of Matla, Radif and the Makta. Matla is the opening verse and Radif – repetition of common words, e.g. second line of all the Sher's must end with the same word/s. Makta often includes (Takhallus) pen-name of the poet and it often describes the poet’s state of mind and /or his belief.

Now we have heard of The legend - Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, pen name Ghalib / Asad. Have you come across the work of his closest rival - poet Zauq? While they had immense respect for each other, both of them unequivocally admired and acknowledged the supremacy of Mir Taki Mir sometimes spelt as Meer.

Mir, born in Agra much before Ghalib is known as ‘Khuda-e-Sukhan’ (God of verse), the Shen-shah of Ghazal and Urdu Shayari. Mir’s poetry is easy to understand and its simplicity adds to the effect, and leaves the listener spell-bound. Ghalib himself admits about Mir’s prowess.

This is what Ghalib says:
Rekhta ke tum hi ustaad nahin ho "Ghalib", kahte hain agle zamane mein koi Mir bhi tha..
[Rekhta = Urdu] - (You are not the only master of Urdu, Ghalib; they say, there used to be a Mir in the past)

Indeed Mir remains a - Nazir (unequalled / matchless)…Thanks to Samir for sharing this beautiful Mir ghazal -“Dekh To Dil Ki Jaan Se Uthtaa Hai .… Check out - mellifluous, honeyed rendition from King of Ghazal mausiki - Mehdi Hassan http://ashq.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/dekh-to-dil-ki-jaan-se/

Incidentally my wife reminded me, the same ghazal plays in background in Late Kamal Amarohi’s epic ‘Pakeezah’ (pure / clean)…Its sung by talented Naseem Begum a.k.a Naseem Bano Chopra. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbrX3traykU&feature=related

Another Mir’s famous ghazal “Patta patta, boota boota, haal hamaaraa jaane hai” and “Dikhai Diye Yun- film Bazaar.

Now every ghazal lover regales on Ahmed Faraz - Ranjish Hi Sahi….Mehdi Hassan’s immortal rendition. By the way, the rendition by Runal Laila and Talat Aziz is equally brilliant. Other popular compositions by Faraz include: Badan Mein Aag Si Chehra Gulab Jaisa Hai & Phir Chhidi Raat – film Bazzar

Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh, and others have popularized Ibn-e- Insha, Kabir, Faiyaz Hashmi and Nida Fazli. Like Mir, these poets also use simple words. I simply love this Faiyaz Hashmi ghazal – Aaj Jane Ki Jid Na Karo in Farida Khanum silken, unique voice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J4jgctq8h8

Although Ghalib, Zauq and Faiz Ahmed Faiz relied heavily on Persian idioms/ metaphors... but don’t stop listening…..its sheer joy…and over the period of time you might understand the meaning…albeit I am still trying ..

I am sure these saaqib (sublime) bazm-e- ghazals, will make you say, “Subhan-Allah !!!” and hope this art doesnt diminish. Until then, let me take your Rukhsat with this amazing couplet:

“Sau kos say ba-zabaan-e-qalam baatein kiya karo aur hijr mein visaal kay mazey liya karo”- Ghalib
{From hundred of miles, talk with the tongue of the pen and enjoy the joy of meeting even when you are separated}…

Tasleem and Shabba Khair