A GHAZAL BY RAHAT INDORI

 

A GHAZAL BY RAHAT INDORI

Dr. Rahat Indori (1950-2020) who died on 11th August was a great attraction for lovers of Urdu poetry. He was suffering from multiple ailments including Covid-19. The news of his death was stunning both for literary circles and the common audience who had enjoyed his poetry in mushairas or otherwise.   He was known for his unique style of addressing the audience which was full of plentiful delight and enlightenment. His themes were topical, nostalgic and futuristic, whereas his vocabulary was simple but loaded with profound meanings. He could hold the listeners’ attention for as long as he wanted.  The audience stayed on till he arrived on the stage and immediately captured their attention accompanied with loudest applause. His verses have been quoted many a time both by young and old admirers including politicians.  One of his famous couplets which was recited in the Lok Sabha reads as follows:

                        Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yahan ki mitti mein

                        Kisi ke baap ka hindostan thori hai

Given below is short ghazal as a specimen of his simple diction but deep nuances.

            Chamakatey lafz sitaron se cheen laey hain

            Ham aasman se ghazal ki zamin laey hain

            Wo aur hongey jo khanjar chupa ke latey hain

            Ham apnay saath phati aasteen laey hain

            Hamari baat ki gehrai khak samjhen gay

            Jo parbaton ke liye khurdbin(microscope) laey hain

            Haso na ham pe ke ham badnaseeb (unfortunate) banjarey

            Saron pe rakh ke watan ki zamin laey hain

            Mirey(mine) qabiley ke bachchon ke khail bhi hain ajeeb

            Kisi sipahi ki talwar cheen laey hain.

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12^th August 2020                                                                           Dr.G.R.Kanwal