ASAD - 96

Originally posted on rec.music.indian.misc in 1997

Akbar Illahabadi, born on 16 Nov 1864 as Akbar Syed Hussain, and died on 9 Sept 1921, was a Magistrate by profession. As a shayar, is is famous for his 'Mazahiya Shayari' and light but touching poetry. In spite of being in the service of the British he used to attack them, their lifestyle and the government in his poetry.

It's seems people used to say, "KHuda bachaaye in firangiyoN ko ! Unhe to shukr karana chaahiye ke Akbar saahab sarakaari naukar hai. Khuda-na-khasta agar nikhaalas shaayar hote to, tauba tauba ...".

Many of you must be wondering, "Have I heard a GHazal by him ?" I bet ! I am sure most of you have heard the GHulam Ali ghazal, from which the following sher is taken. It's not found in all the recordings !! Hence included here. It's one of the best by the poet. Quite "ishqi'aana", but at the same time a little bit "mazahiya" too.

waaN = wahaaN and yaaN = yahaaN

waaN dil me, ki sadame do ! yaaN jee me, ke sab seh lo !
unka bhi ajab dil hai, mera bhi ajab jee hai !

Which GHazal is this from ? :-)
From the super-famous, "hangaamaa hai kyuN barapaa" ! Yes, that's by him.

- Abhay.
ASAD _also_ stands for "A Sher A Day" !