In Conversation With Kiran Rubab Naqvi (The Poetess)... Interview by Shoby

In Conversation With Kiran Rubab Naqvi (The Poetess)... Interview by Shoby

If I say that she has broken the barriers of being a typical female poetess of this era, it won’t be an exaggeration by any means... She is not new as far as the world of poetry is concerned. Having a solid background of great poets from Potohar region of Punjab, Pakistan which is truly blessed by ALLAH with amazing artists especially writers, believe it or not, it was very difficult (read impossible) for this young lady to make her own significant mark in the who’s who of literature. But she did it with great authority.

Kiran Rubab Naqvi is the writer of two back to back blockbuster poetry books tentatively titled as "Ik Sadi Darmeyan Aa Thehri" and "Rog Jo Thehra", who is currently enjoying a great fame & fan following on all over social media. And our very own blog #Shobywood is luckiest in the sense that although she was unable to spare few moments from her very busy domestic & professional life, she has finally agreed to provider us her consent for a very exclusive interview.

And here we proudly present to you… Exclusive first time ever interview of Ms. Kiran Rubab Naqvi which she has given to an international blog...

Shobywood: (After formal Hi- Hello, we jumped straight to the very first question of the evening) Can you please give us a brief introduction about your kind self.

Kiran: My Grandfather (Daada) Syed Yousaf Ali Shah graduated from Aligarh University and got superannuation from G.H.Q. at a higher rank. Apart from this he was also a great religious scholar. At the time of Partition, there were only two (02) recognized Libraries in Rawalpindi, one of them belonged to my grandfather Syed Yousaf Ali Shah, from where renowned scholars benefited. He performed Hajj, Ummrah and Ziaraat seven (07) times. During his whole life he always arranged Majalis from 1st Moharam to 8th Rabi ul Awal. He was also writer of many religious books.

Similarly, My Grandfather (Naana) Syed Ameer Ahmed Shah was also a great religious scholar. Along with this, he was a strong Pothohari Poet, renowned for his typical style of reciting SHER on Radio, as well.

My Father Syed Safdar Ali Naqvi (Shaheed) was a distinguished student of St. Pall School, Rawalpindi. He had a huge literary and religious knowledge apart from other qualifications. He was habitual of reading books and had a great affection with books. 

My elder sister Fakhira Batool Naqvi is renowned poetess of the world. She is author of eighteen (18) books and has won two (02) International Awards. She is the very first one from Pakistan, who has won these awards. She is also first female writer, of two books of Mazaah and for kids.

So, me, Kiran Rubab Naqvi, opened my eyes in “House of Knowledge” ...

Born on 13th September in Rawalpindi. Completed my Secondary Education from Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School # 2, Rawalpindi. I got my Graduation degree from Govt. Viqar ur Nisa College, Tipu Road, Rawalpindi – Punjab University. I completed B.Ed. from AIOU, Islamabad and Masters in Urdu Language & Literature from Punjab of the University. I also Completed M.Phil in Urdu Language &Literature from AIOU, Islamabad. Title of my thesis was “Anjum Roomani – Shakhsiyat aur Phun”. Now a day’s I am preparing for Ph.D. and also doing my job in BS-17 in a Ministry at Islamabad.

I had started poetry in a very early age. In fact, I started poetry, as, during in my school days I used to participate in Debates and subconsciously, I started including my own poetry, as and when it was required. So, unknowingly, I became a poetess. However, during the college life, I was forced (laughing) to do poetry, because of my elder sister “Fakhira Batool”.

Shobywood: You have just mentioned that you have conducted a thorough research in your academic career. Please tell us some more about the research so that those students who follow you get a taste of how their icons give their time & heart to the studies.

Kiran: As stated earlier, I have completed my Thesis of M.Phil, titled “Anjum Roomani – Shakhsiyat aur Phun”, which is now going to be published from Academy of Letters, Islamabad, shortly.

Similarly, a research book on the life of Mr. Shakeel Badayuni will be published from National Book Foundation, Islamabad, very soon.

Shobywood: Coming towards the million dollar question that almost all of us are dying to know, please tell us, how you started your career as a poetess? (Please note that we have a received a typical Kiran’s sort of reply, even the words here flow like her poems ? )

Kiran: I have started Mushairas accidently. It was a deep, dark, rainy evening of spring. We were travelling to Murree along with other Poets / Poetess to attend a Mushaira at Murree Arts Council. I was just with them to accompany my sister Fakhira Batool, at that time I was student of 1st year. While travelling, Mr. Anwar Masood requested for some poetry, I recited a short poem “Anhoni” and they asked for some more. I had started . . . .

“Ishq Ilzaam Umr Bhar Na Hua

 Tasht Az Baam Umr Bhar Na Hua

Kaam Aasan Tha Bhula Dena

Aur Yeh Kaam Umr Bhar Na Hua”

All of them appreciated very much. Mr. Anwar Masood asked to read the same Ghazal in Mushaira. I was of the opinion that as I’m not invited so will not participate. Dr. Inam ul Haq Javed also encouraged me to participate in Mushaira, which did not convince me. Mr. Anwar Masood, who was listing our conversation, narrated a joke…

“Once a man took part in the elections, but he was afraid of facing the people and to address them. Someone genius asked him to do practice in the field of cabbages. He addressed cabbages, considering them crowd, for many days. Finally, the day had come, the day he has to address to the people, he went to the rostrum, stood there for a while and came back saying “Banday Banday hotay hain aur ghobhi gobhi hoti hay” (It’s easy to address cabbages but difficult to stand in front of crowd)”

All poets / poetess started laughing. This was a simple attack on me, which directly hit my self-respect. I, immediately, committed to take participate in Mushaira..... And that was my first appearance in any Mushaira with above-mentioned Ghazal, amongst a cream of senior poets of Rawalpindi / Islamabad / Lahore and suburbs. It would not be wrong if I say that I have gathered appreciation more than my expectations.

Shobywood: Please tell us who is your all-time favorite poet/ poetess and who is your actual inspiration in the field?

Kiran: Poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz was a world of fantasy for me ….. I’m in love with his poetry since my childhood …. I still remember that “Nuskha Haey Wafa” was the first poetry book, which was parroted by me. After him I really like Mohsin Naqvi’s poetry.

No Doubt Fakhira Batool is my first inspiration …. I wanted to be like her but she will always be very far from my reach.... I’m proud of her...

Shobywood: What poetry means to you? (A simple yet intriguing question)

Kiran: It’s a common thought that a literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm is called poetry

To me, poetry means purity of feelings, love for humanity which in return brings me inner happiness.

Shobywood: How you perceive poetry? Is it a reflection of an individual's thought or a collective thought of a nation?

Kiran: (Well)… It depends ….. In fact it happens ……. Sometimes it can be reflection of an individual’s thought and sometimes a collective thought of a nation. 

Simply, what I feel, I write in same manner. Sometimes a small clash with my sis became a verse or pain of beheaded bodies of my soldiers became a poem. Even a single posture can be reason of a poem or Ghazal. It depends a lot how you feel the things happening in your surroundings.

Shobywood: Do you believe in the difference of classical & modern art particularly if we talk about poetry? What category you place yourself in.

Kiran: Classical art especially if we talk about poetry is the raw material. In modern era crafting has changed the real form of the art. Certain things have become more artificial and unpredictable. Crafting is basically an art / talent, which can change, mode, abolish or demolish the actual form of the art, again how you perceive. In poetry, we have been experiencing new things which are establishing day by day. But above all, it is a fact that experiments are for short period of time, things ultimately returns to their original / actual position. Classical poetry is forever and will remain ever.

Abstract Art never inspired me. A poem starting with eyeliner, ending on railway track, how could make a sense. In my point of view there should be a story a theme in a poem, which should also be understandable. Rather than you are looking right or left for explanation.

Shobywood: Your poetry is full of innovative thoughts, intense feelings & hard hitting projection, where does the intensity comes from in your writing?

Kiran: Sometimes I think I may be aware of seventh sense... 

I pick things very quickly and respond them immediately. Take decisions in positive manner.

That’s the reason that my poetry has some kind of intensity. How things conflict with my poetic view, my mind describes the same intensity.

I do remember that our Deputy Secretary Mr. Munawar Hussain (Rtrd.) was used to say “She is a Born Officer”...

My senses are very sharp, I notice change very soon either it’s in weather or in behaviours...

When anything inspires me or mesmerize me, I never delay to deliver it. Sometimes things remain same but sometimes I work on it (as I told you about “crafting”) and change them up to my taste of mind. 

Each and every thing leaves an impact it might be good or bad, it’s up to the poet, how he conceives.

Shobywood: What basically inspire you to write?

Kiran: It might be a drop of rain, a fresh breeze, the morning light, a dark night; it must be love which can be felt spreading all over the world, which has encompassed the entire universe.

Shobywood: You are not stagnant as far as genres are concerned. If you like Maseeha a full on romance, on the other side you write Rang, something very sensitive. At one hand you write on social issues highlighting women-centric problems, on the other hand you write great Islamic poetry like HUSSAIN (asws) GHAZI (as) ko Rok lete, how you cater all these dimensions?

Kiran: As I told you earlier, thoughts bring their modes along with them. They appear with a decision, what they want to be, Nazm or Ghazal, etc.

As far as, nature concerns i.e. romantic or otherwise …… it is also not in the poet’s hand … Simply, poet can craft the thought but can’t change it …. If he does so, thought is destroyed. …

I never tried to mould Nazm into Ghazal or Ghazal into Nazm … Even I never tried to divert my thoughts intensely to the other side. Never tried to convert romantic poetry into religious or religious into social issues. 

However, the surrounding environment reflects into your poetry, e.g. especially in Ayaam-e-Azza, often religious poetry delivers more as compare to romantic poetry.

Shobywood:  (Heading towards some serious business question). Maam, do you think poetry has lost the charm or the audience who were charmed by the poetry?

Kiran: It’s out of question; poetry has its own charm, which never fades. Doesn’t matter you recite it, publish it, read it or sing it, audience appreciation is not necessary. However, now a days the tradition of Mushairas is decreasing due to non-reorganization of the poets.

I still remember that once Academy of Letters has organized “International Ahl e Qalam Conference” and as usual cream was gathered. On first day of conference the Academy honored the writers with a lather bag, a pen, refreshment and tea lunch but it was really shocking that they have invited Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on last day on payment of six hundred thousand for couple of hours only.

This behavior breaks the poet’s heart. He travels for miles to participate in a Mushaira just for few penny?? His passion, his love, his efforts are sold for a few rupees.

That’s why I regret participating in Mushairas ……. No one can put a price of my passion ….

(We can literally feel this true artist named as Kiran Rubab Naqvi is really hurt of the non-recognition of rich art & literary especially poetry talent we have. I second her thoughts for sure).

Shobywood: What are your future plans when we talk about your poetry or career as a poetess?

Kiran: In fact, more than three books of romantic poetry, one book of Hussaini poetry and one Safarnama e Ziaraat are ready to be published, which will be soon Inshallah. Similarly, two (02) research papers are also ready titled “Anjum Roomani” and “Shakeel Badayuni”...

Shobywood: (Please note that Shobywood asked this daring question exclusively for those who love to listen Kiran’s poetry recited by own in Mushairas. So I asked her with a little fright in my heart and we got an excellent straight forward reply). Why does Kiran Rubab do not participate in mushairas now a days?

Kiran: As I told early, this deliberately non-reorganization of poets is the main reason of not participating in mushairas. I can’t waste my time for 5 or 10 thousand Rupees, as well as others. I am not an entertainer. It’s my passion, which can never be sold...

Shobywood: (Taking liberty of her generosity, we threw another bouncer: p) Why is this so that we get to see Kiran’s poetry not very often, as public want to enjoy more of your poetry.

Kiran: My books are ready to publish … just waiting for sponsors: p  (An excellent one liner… So all those caretakers of today’s literature world, you have the chance to publish her famous poetry through your respective prestigious channels)...

Shobywood: Everyone knows you are a great poet, but seldom do they know you also write excellent prose... Please tell us about your prose writing and why do you write it very less.

Kiran: In prose my mostly work relates to Research and Criticism.  In fact, I started prose with critical articles, published in different papers and recognized literary magazines of Pakistan and India.

I’ve also written short stories, published mostly in Monthly “Shair” India. I think if I compile them, a book can be published...

Actually, My top priority is my family, job and other allied responsibilities after which I find little time for leisure so it’s very difficult for me to manage all these activities. ? 

Shobywood: Do you plan for drama writing or film writing in future or do u want to pen the lyrics of songs for dramas or films.

Kiran: I don’t think so …… Drama and film are not my lines. And the question of lyrics writing for films is out of question. I do write NOHAS so will never even try to write a single word of song...

Shobywood: If Kiran Rubab Naqvi was not a poetess, what would she might be?

Kiran: If she was not a poetess then she would have been an artist ….. Now she loves to play with words than would have been playing with colours...

Shobywood: Almost everything you write, possess an incredible tendency to become your fan’s favorite but your fans want to ask, what your own favorite couplet is.

Kiran: Well it is really difficult to choose a single one... Everything is obviously my favorite... But here are few of my poetic pieces that I love the most...

Poems like:

Tumhain to mujh pay yaqeen hay na …

To kya ab b … 

Maseeha …

And many more ? 

*****

Aina daikhnay nahin detein

Teri ankhain mujhay satati hain

*****

Acha khaasa pura insan

Adha kar k bhool gaey ho

*****

Meri ankhon mian ab b chubhta hay

Tu nay jo khaab torr dala tha.

Shobywood: (A humble question) Message for the film & literature critic Shahbaz Ali Naqvi (Shoby), who happens to be a poet himself.

Kiran: Poetry of Shahbaz Ali Naqvi is very pure and genuine. Thoughts are in raw form at this stage but I’m sure will be purified due the passage of time and off course because of his hard work, sincerity and passion. But basic thing is his originality and I’m sure he will never let it spoil.

Shobywood: Message for Shobywood (the blog caters diverse things like reviews on film, literature) & interviews of famous personalities.

Kiran: You are doing such a wonderful work, it’s really hard to get time for such things along with other official and domestic commitments. I wish you best of luck in future.

On this note, we thanked Ms. Kiran Rubab Naqvi for taking out time from her very busy schedule and sharing some wonderful moments with us. It was an amazing session with Ma'am and I got to learn much from one of the most brilliant female writers that we have in our today’s literary world.