The concluding day of the Repertwahr festival in Lucknow witnessed a magical evening of poetry, as the celebrated Urdu poet Wasim Barelvi cast a spell on a captivated audience. The event, Sham-e-Awadh, was illuminated with the fervor of Diwali as crowds gathered from all directions, drawn to the stage by the poet's formidable reputation.
A Philosophy in Couplets
Wasim Barelvi began his session with a humble yet profound declaration that set the tone for the night. He stated, "Main sher kabhi nahi kehta, sher mujhe kehta hai", translating to "I never recite a couplet, it is the couplet that states me." This philosophical opening highlighted his view of poetry as a force that uses the poet as its medium, not merely a crafted art form. He commenced his recitation with the couplet "Guftgu wahan tak rahe jaha tak bardasht kar paye", advising that conversation should remain within bearable limits, a subtle nod to the depth and intensity of the artistic journey to follow.
Shayari: The Uninstitutionalised Art
Barelvi drew a poignant comparison between shayari and other classical arts. He noted that while fine arts like music, painting, and dance have formal institutions for learning, shayari stands apart. "There are institutions to learn all, except 'shayari'," he remarked. He addressed the audience's curiosity about shayari, the artist (kalakar), and the art (kala) itself, emphasizing that not every occasion is suited for such discussions. These topics, he suggested, deserve their own special evenings and platforms—exactly like the one created by the Repertwahr festival.
The Essence of Poetic Expression
Delving into the core of poetic creation, Barelvi offered a beautiful definition. He explained that shayari is not merely a collection of words. "Ye ehsas aur lafz k beech ka rasta hai, is faasle ko taey karne ka rasta hai," he said, describing it as a journey between emotion and words, a path to bridge that distance. He underscored the enduring relevance of poetic forms, stating, "Ghazal or doha is important as both are connected to life. Ghazal is, was and will always stay alive." This affirmation served as a powerful testament to the timeless nature of Urdu poetry and its deep connection to the human experience.
The event, held on Sunday, served as a perfect finale to the cultural festival, reinforcing Lucknow's status as a nurturing ground for literary and artistic excellence. Barelvi's performance was not just a recitation but an immersive experience that left the audience reflecting on the profound relationship between language, feeling, and art.
