ASAD - 98

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

No one would claim that Urdu Shayari has no drawbacks. IMHO, there are many. (Note the IMHO). One drawback (and also a strength at the same time) is the way women are portrayed. They always trouble our Shayar by ignoring his love etc. Or they are just beautiful. Nothing more.

Of course, there are exceptions ! But it won't be totally wrong to say that this is the general tone of much of the classical ishqi'aana Urdu Poetry. (Note how vague I am trying to be :-)).

Hasrat Mohani ("chukpe chupke raat din") and Jigar are given the credit of starting better portrayal of women. Sahir has also written "aurat ne janam diya" and "jinhe naaz hai" etc. But what about a true feminine viewpoint ? I mean from the heart of a Shaa'ira ?

Following sher talks about Institution of Marriage in Islam, but IMHO, it's emotions are equally applicable to any Indian marriage.

gurur-o-kahar = gurur aur ghussa [ kahar = anger, rage, temper ]
mehar = The money / jwellery a bride brings with her and which has to be returned if divorced by the husband
shabaab = jawaani (in this context, but it also means beauty)

talaaq de to rahe ho, gurur-o-kahar ke saath,
mera shabaab bhi lauta do, mere mehar ke saath !
- Begum Anjum

Very powerful ! Very touching !!

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