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An upcoming session of literature and poetry explores themes of love and restlessness through classic and contemporary ghazals and nazms
Participants at a previous edition of the Urdu Adab workshop
Who are we, if not the product of our thoughts, emotions and desires? Who doesn’t wish to fall in love and witness the restlessness of the eyes frantically searching for the one?’ If you enjoy such poetic emotions as well as the intricacy of language, Urdu Adab might be for you. The event will showcase the best of Urdu literature and poetry while decoding ghazals, nazms and their texts for the unversed.
Who are we, if not the product of our thoughts, emotions and desires? Who doesn’t wish to fall in love and witness the restlessness of the eyes frantically searching for the one?’ If you enjoy such poetic emotions as well as the intricacy of language, Urdu Adab might be for you. The event will showcase the best of Urdu literature and poetry while decoding ghazals, nazms and their texts for the unversed.
Host Alleyah Asghar, founder and curator of Haroof Baithak, will delve into the ghazals (amatory poem or ode) and nazms (prose-style poem) based on Ishq and Beqarari (love and longing) — emotions that have been at the heart of some of the greatest works of Urdu literature.
Alleyah Asghar instructs participants using a presentation. PICS COURTESY/MYNA ACADEMY
“The idea behind the workshop is to bring the Urdu diction or zabaan into the fold of culture and appreciation, considering it is the language of love and emotion across all forms of communication — be it Hindi cinema or ghazal and light classical Hindustani music,” shares Asghar. Through a reading of the works by classic Urdu poets like Ibrahim Zauq or more contemporary poets such as Majrooh Sultanpuri, the curator hopes to showcase how emotions of love and longing have spiritual connections that transcend beyond their generic meanings.
The workshop will also offer guests a glimpse of the social context that classical and contemporary Urdu poets lived in, and the nuanced nature of the words they chose to express emotions from happiness and sorrow to jealousy, explains Asghar.
Majrooh Sultanpuri; Ibrahim Zauq. PICS COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
For those intimidated by the complexity and intricacies of Urdu poetry, Asghar offers a piece of advice: “It’s always good to walk into rooms you have never entered, and discover new sounds and people. Do not be shy or be afraid; simply dip your little toe in the waters of Urdu poetry and witness its beauty and sweetness.”
ON July 26; 11 am to 12.30 pm
AT Myna Academy, 9th floor, Embassy Chambers, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West.
CALL 7977011717 (for queries and registration)
ENTRY Rs 1000
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