ASAD - 22

Originally posted on rec.music.indian.misc in 1995

What is it that I like about Shers ? I have often been asked that question by my friends, whom I bored till death by telling Shers. :-) It's a difficult question to answer. There are many reasons, not just one. One such reason I want to point out here.

The reason is - suspense ! Ever seen a 'mushaira' on TV ? How does the Shayar read out his Sher. Typically the first line is repeated more than once, before the Shayar completes the Sher by reading out the next line. Why is this done ? It's done to create a special effect !

When you hear the first line once - then you start wondering what could be there in the second line, you anticipate something. This suspense is increased, if you hear the line more than once. When you hear the next line, you suddenly burst out saying "wah wah", ONLY if what you heard, is something you did not anticipate OR if it's more beautiful than you thought. That's due to the suspense !

An example follows. Decide why you like this Sher.

aaNkhoN me jo bhar loge, to kaaNtoN se chubhenge

OK ? Make sure you have got the first line :-) What can be there in the next line ? :-)

aaNkhoN me jo bhar loge, to kaaNtoN se chubhenge
ye KHwaab to, palakoN pe sajaane ke liye haiN

Never mind this suspnese business. The Sher is beautiful by itself.

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