A Collection of Beautiful Urdu Poetry – Book Review of Furqat Ke Raat Din By Amit Srivastav
तुझे सुनाने को ए ज़िंदगी आज इतना ही मेरे पास है,
कुछ एहसासों का तजरबा है कुछ तजरबों का एहसास है!!
Furqat Ke Raat Din
Summary
कोलकाता के रहने वाले अमित श्रीवास्तव “अमीक़” कॉरपोरेट की दुनिया से त’अल्लुक़ात रखते हैं। जहाँ टैक्नोलॅाजी और मैनेजमेंट उनकी जीविका का हिस्सा हैं वहीं अदब-ओ-शायरी उनकी ज़िन्दगी का अभिन्न अंग है। उनका ये मानना है कि “उर्दू ज़बान, शायरी और दर्द (ट्रेजेडी) से मोहब्बत” उनको मोहम्मद रफ़ी साहब के गानों से विरासत में मिली है। फ़ुर्क़त के रात दिन शायरी की उनकी पहली किताब है। उनकी नज़रों में शायरी में ज़बान की सादगी और अल्फ़ाज़ की किफ़ायत-ओ-लताफ़त बेहद ज़रूरी हैं, लेकिन ये वो हुनर है जो आते-आते आता है। शायरी में उनका तर्ज़ उनके इस शेर से बख़ूबी बयान होता है: जज़्बात-ए-दिल की धीमी आँच पर ख़यालों का पकना है शायरी!!
What beautiful words penned! Ashaar in Urdu or micro poetry for the unversed, these couplets though small in size often pack a ton and are some of the most complexes to create especially if in a flowy language like Urdu where a lot of importance is also delegated to the aesthetics adopted to improve upon the style, impact as well as presentation.
Well, I happened to recently indulge in and finish this amazing new poet’s work of Urdu Hindi poetry, Furqat Ke Raat Din by Amit Srivastava ‘Ameeq‘, an ensemble of Nazms, ghazals as well as Kataats and Ashaars, where the former is poetry comprising of 4 lines and Ashaar is a couplet of 2.
Ok, in case you are wondering how come I am so well versed with Urdu let me confess I have been a huge fan of Urdu poetry as I have always felt that it is one genre which very beautifully portrays not only human emotions but also those delicate fine feelings which can be only felt but not always encapsulated.
महफ़ूज़ बहुत है पिंजरा मगर उड़ान चली जाएगी
जो आसमाँ न मिला परिंदे की पहचान चली जाएगी!!!
Ameeq here has done a splendid job. For starters, I especially want to first mention the fact that in spite of Urdu, it is not a difficult book to read and comprehend, thanks to the glossary and explanation Ameeq has provided after every poem, making it simple for the reader to delve into his idea of writing the particular piece.
What for me instantly connected me to his style of writing is the warmth, simplicity and sheer innocence his poems have managed to splay across, scattering colourful hues of sorts, dousing its readers in a myriad of colours and emotions where there is not only love, sacrifice, heartbreak but also daily nuances of life which are always there but somewhat inconspicuous and hence ignored. I instantly was swept off my feet as I read and savoured these Poems. They were cathartic to my soul and mind.
Through a wide array and multiple forms of poetry used, ‘Ameeq‘ successfully manages to keep the readers hooked on, mesmerized by his work, dispersing his vantage of thoughts, bathing the readers’ senses in a kaleidoscope of vibrancy and also splaying multi-faceted, diverse imagery all at once, taking the readers to unsought and unventured lands of imagination. It is as if you are compelled to drink in his captivating words, which have the raw power to not only stir the deepest emotions from the depths of your heart but also suck them right into the topmost vortex of your mind’s eye, making you pause and mull upon the strange yet discernible beauties life offers.
It is actually hard to believe that this book happens to be the Author of Ameeq’s debut work. That is because I seriously want to assert the fact here that almost all of his pieces of writing have been created with so much depth and scintillating aesthetic that one cannot help being spellbound by the captivating aura Ameeq has managed to create with his work. Creatively beautiful usage of language along with a super-strong Urdu vocab makes this title a true bestseller, as well as a, must have especially for those ardent fans of Urdu and Hindi poetry who are in search of pure, unadulterated, no filter Urdu poetry, something written more to suit the likes of the great Gulzar Sahab. Yes, I know you guys will be like Gulzar Sahab? Isn’t that a pretty tall claim? Hmm, but no it is not you guys, coz the kind of fervour and dedication and beauty with which each of these beautiful poems has been created is “kaabil-e-taareef”.
Related:
- Poetry Book Review of Runa – Fleeting Thoughts Collected By Veekay, A Simple Yet A Warm Pursuit To Live And Its Intricacies
- Book review of 52 Pips: Poetry from Time’s Deck by Rekha Bhagtani
The biggest differentiator of this book for me especially is the fact that on almost every page you shall surely find a line, couplet or poem which has the power to entice you and stay with you for ages even after you have finished reading the piece. It is not so easy to create such a splendid piece, especially of poetry for which every new work is deemed to be a new challenge in store for the Author. Superb work ‘Ameeq‘. A must-read guy, a real bestseller guy, especially if you are a fan of Urdu poetry. I’d say go for it even if you haven’t tried Urdu because hey you will get nothing but the best here. Leaving you with another of my favourite couplets from his works:
Ameeq’s poems here are extraordinary and special. For me poetry has always been very mystical, a work of art very few can achieve. There are poems that settle in your heart, there are some that strum the chords of the soul. Yet, there are others which come like a breath of air, delicate at first yet robust enough to stick with you for a lifetime. Ameeq’s work here is that what has the power to be with you for a lifetime, settling between the alleyways of your heart, warming it with such exuberance that you shall fall in love with Urdu poetry even if you haven’t read it before. For me personally, these poems were cathartic as well as therapeutic of sorts as they enamoured all that one could think of in one’s lifetime.
So hope you liked this review of this beautiful Urdu poetry book by ‘Ameeq‘. Do keep tuning in to Booxoul to catch the latest in the world of entertainment, lifestyle, food, travel, as well all things bookish.
Ciao soon peeps!!
‘This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.’
Urdu is a melodious language. It is like pearls strewn together. But I am afraid I dunno the language. My dad could read and write Urdu but not Hindi. This book of verse sounds very interesting. You have rated it so high. I will check it out..
I am sure you too will fall in love
Urdu for me was stuck only to shayari. Its good to know there are people who actually would give a review and a book of Urdu poetry and collections. I always enjoy the way they use the words in urdu kind of jugalbandi with words. Thanks for giving a lovely choice to settle down with a read.
After reading your review I am sure the book is a must read. Added it to my reading list.
The two liners are amazing that you just shared. I just love urdu poetry. The art of saying so much in so less just leaves me awestruck.
I love poetries, and this sounds so good, so melodious.
Those are some lovely verses that you’ve quoted from the book. Looks very promising.
Reading your detailed and thorough review makes me wish I know Urdu! You have brought out the beauty of the poem very well that even I who knows no Urdu wishes I did!
Urdu does have a charm that no other language quite matches. I loved the verses you shared. A 5 star review. I will surely add it to my TBR.
Lovely review. My daughter enjoys reading poetry and I will share this with her. I really like the name of the book.
I hardly read poems. Urdu poems are classics and my husband loves them. I’ll recommend this book to him
I am an ardent fan of Urdu Shayeri/Poems. The language touches the soul and when the content or context is relatable then it stays in our heart for a really long time. Love reading this review 🙂
Sounds to be an interesting poetry book that would make readers fall in love .
This looks lovely, I wish I could read Urdu. This book sounds beautiful though and I would love to read more such books
I like shayari. Urdu words can’t understand but andaja laga sakati hoon😊 One of my college friend write shayri in Urdu so I love the shayari. I would love to read this book. Thanks for detailed review
I love all the couplets you have mentioned here in the post, I love poems, to read as well as to write so, this is of my inerest and will get this soon.
I would love to read this book. Urdu shayari is my favourite. Lovely review. Loved the lines you shared from book.
I would like to try after reading about this book and find out about the author as well.seems to be interesting
Urdu is indeed a sweet language and Urdu poetries are such soul touching. I like reading Urdu verses, they are my companion in my soul searching journey.
Lovely review. By your rating of it, it surely seems like a great collection of poetry.
What a poetry !!! I love reading hindi / urdu poetry as it straight up connects with my heart. Thanks for the review.
I am soooooooo tempted to buy his book after reading your review and some of his work… they’re beautiful and he sure writes like a pro. I love to read urdu couplets as they touch your heart. I haven’t gone beyond couplets but I love recitals as it’s easier than reading. Thank you for this recommendation Neelam.
Thanks to Zindagi Gulzar hey that introduced me to Urdu and I can also read such beautiful poetry.
A poet has arrived
My close friend Amit Srivastava, known by his pen name Ameeq, has published his first book of poems, and it is indeed no less than a marvel. The poet will take you to a world of mysticism through the pages of his book. As you turn a page, you will climb a step up in the ladder and get closer to the clouds. It is a joy to see how beautifully he has woven different emotions in his poems, captured themes like death, grief, unrequited love, separation, heartache, relationship, etc. with great artistic sensibilities.
The book appeals both to the elite and the masses alike, and may be to the critics as well. Visit page 107 to read Aadat, and you will see how comfortably he has painted a multi-color painting with his simple black-ink pen. You will see another such masterpiece of painting when you visit Musabbir in Page 129. Then visit page 150 to read Keemat, and you will reinvent the meaning of the word “Multi-layered Perspective”. Safar in page 121 is one of those poems that truly move you, pulling on your heartstrings until you bawl like a child.
The book consists of some of the poet’s best works. It requires a great set of skills to write so simply about complex things. Amit’s poems are easy to read and understand as the language used is remarkably modest. If you can read Hindi and have ever ventured into the world of Poetry/ Nazm/ Gazal, believe you me, this book will remain with you for a very long time.
This book is not at all a coffee table book , most unsuited for that matter, A guest reads it and takes it away when they leave , it’s is a trendsetter , for many like me were poetry in written form is only related to school academics it was a discovery to delve in to the depths of feelings and expressions .
Such a lovely book to read ..
every page has some thing new to think about .. Amazing …waiting for next book from the writer sahab…
I bought the book few months ago and it is really a book to keep in the collection. Urdu is a language I was acquainted by Ameeq’s poetry and the poetic and lyrical language won my heart. This language was created perhaps to write poetry. Ameeq’s flair on this language adorned his poetry so beautifully!
Love, sorrow, heartbreak, melancholy, the same age-old emotions have been reflected so uniquely in his poetry. What captivated me the most in this book is the elegance and the poise of Ameeq’s poetry.
Read “Tumare hisse ka mein” on page 92 or “Faasla” on page 97, swparation of couples never can be more graceful. Read “Shayari” on page 168. It’ll take readers to a different world of imagination. The naam “Ghazal” on page 106, “Kitab” on 114 , “Ishq” on page 91, “afsana” on page 175 will certainly make the readers amazed by his style of poetry.
I can assure this book will not fail to blow the mind of its readers.
Looking forward to his next book eagerly.
I was personally more inclined towards Hindi writtingd?, but after reading Amit jis book, I have been able to develop the taste for Urdu. Each and every wrying of the book Furqat ke raat din carries a deep meaning and message….waiting eagerly for more….Cheers
The language Urdu was an alien to me until I met Ameeq a few years back and got acquainted with his poetries. I was eagerly waiting for his first book to be published and finally a few months back when it happened, I grabbed a copy and soon could realize what a phenomenal collection this one is. Ameeq’s creation has the capability to reach the readers’ souls in a subtle manner. “Furqat”, i.e., separation is the central theme of this book. The “Nazm” or the “Ashaar”, which are based on this flavor, will instantly get you drenched in a feeling of deep pain – which is sometimes relatable and sometimes beyond explanation. This book also has poetries that will make you dance to the tune of the joyous and passionate melody of love. In fact, it has verses that dive deep and reflect the beauty and ambiguity of almost each and every minute emotion we encounter in this magical journey called life. The writings are sharp and nuanced. Though I am a novice in the Urdu world, the way I found is that Ameeq is very skeptical about the usage of words. He picks the apt ones and arranges them in such a manner so that both the feel of the poetry and the beauty of the language remain perfectly balanced. One thing I must mention, this book is a slow read. You take one “Ghazal” or one “Nazm” at a time, read it, feel it, carry the fragrance and keep traversing through the innumerable layers of your mind and then come back with a sense of being mesmerized. In fact, what I experienced is that randomly I opened a page and found at least a couple of lines for which I did pause, close my eyes, and get soaked into the essence of the writing. This book will remain a treasure in my collection. For someone, who can read Hindi, has a knack for reading poetry, and wants to get plunged into the beauty of the Urdu language, this book is a must-have. Though it is difficult to pick few, but still would try to mention some of my favourites “Nazm” like- “Musabbir” (page-129), “Shayari” ( page-168), “Humraz” ( Page-124), “Safar” (Page-121), “Mushayra” ( page-88). I will end with this beautiful “Ashaar” –
मैं बहक गया हूँ बहुत ज़िन्दगी की ज़रूरतों में
ला मेरे हाथ में जाम दे मुझे होश की ज़रूरत है !!
I’m happy to know that he explains everything – I feel completely lost when that isn’t the case!