RIYADH: A number of Urdu poets regaled about 2,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) at a poetry evening (mushaira) organized by the Indian Embassy at the International Indian School-Riyadh (IISR) at the weekend.
The literary event was inaugurated by Hemant Kotalwar, charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy, while Hifzur Rahman, embassy spokesman, delivered the welcome address.
Presided over by Tarannum Riyaz, fiction writer, critic, poet, columnist and a novelist, the mushaira was moderated by Shakeel Jamali.
He recited couplets that charged the atmosphere. One of his fine couplet that received massive appreciation was: “Hamara Haq Daba Rakha Hai Jisne/Woh Banda Haj Pe Jana Chahta Hai” (A dishonest person who is refusing to return my due is preparing to go on Haj.)
Shakeel Aazmi, a poet turned Bollywood lyricist, recited his popular couplets amid massive appreciation.
Hina Taimoori mesmerized the audience with her popular couplets and melodious voice.
Her couplet that received massive appreciation was: “Khoii Huii Si Rahti Hai Har Waqt Ab Hina/Ye Haal Ho Gaya Hai Tujhey Dekhney ke Baad (I find myself lost quite often from the moment I saw you).
Nusrat Mehdi regaled the audience with her couplets, one of which was: “Main Kya Karun Key Teri Anaa Ko Miley Sakoon/Gir Jaaon, Toot Jaaon, Bikhar Jaaon, Kya Karun?” (What should I do to satisfy your self respect? Should I destroy myself?).
Aalam Khursheed recited couplets with reference to unequal distribution of resources and irregularities in the system: “Zaroor Khot Hai Taqseem Key Tareeqon Mein/ Kaheen Chiragh Bahut Hai Kaheen Chiragh Nahi.”
Another attraction was Mukhtar Yusufi, whose entertaining comic poetry sent the audience into bursts of laughter.
The other poets at the mushaira included Akhtar Gwaliori, Nadeem Siddiqui, Malikzadah Javed, Afzal Manglori, Mehshar Afridi, Aqeel Nomani and Sohail Lakhnavi.
Indian poets regale Urdu lovers in Riyadh
Indian poets regale Urdu lovers in Riyadh
