Best Poetry and Prose Android App

Best Poetry and Prose Android App

Hello Friends, This is Shahbaz Ali Naqvi (Shoby) and I am here to share an awesome news. The thing is, I have found an amazing Android Application (i.e. POETS). Here are some of the highlights of the application:

• Read Poetry of Legendary Old and New Poets in different languages
• Read Prose of Great Writers in different languages
• Get Yourself Registered and Publish Your Own Poetry and Prose

Click The Below Link and Watch Complete Details of The Application in The Video at My Youtube Channel (Official Shoby)

Click The Link For Complete Details at Youtube

In Conversation With Zain Shakeel (The Poet)... Interview by Shoby

In Conversation With Zain Shakeel (The Poet)... Interview by Shoby

What an incredible age is this, where we are living. I mean if you have an internet connection, know a bit more of some nice Urdu phrases and have a gentle know-how of few software applications like Inpage and Photoshop... Congrats, you are a poet, ready to launch yourself in this almost limitless universe of social media. And I term these kind of poets "Facebookish Poets", who literally have no idea about what actually they are doing in the name of poetry. 

Last year, while roaming around here & there on Facebook in search of some nice good poetry, I came across this couplet:

Kabhi aa ker inhain shafaaf ker de

Tere waadon pe matti jamm chuki hai

And I got freeze... Tere waadon pe matti jamm chuki hai, I mean wholesomeness of this unique idea compelled me to read this real poet some more and I hit the "Like" button on his official page and then I was almost in a state of pleasure quoted shock. I dont want to be looked as ugly & proud but I really believe that today's world is seriously facing a drought in terms of good Urdu poets but this one person has seriously modified my thoughts. Genuinity, uniqueness & delicacy of his thoughts & concepts amalgamated with unbelievably beautiful execution by him has no doubt made myself his fan. He is the author of an excellent book Chalo Udaasi ke Paar Jaey and many other great poetic pieces. He is none other than the favourite of many of us... The one and only Zain Shakeel.

Needless to say that Zain enjoys an excellent repute not only among the critics but in general public as well and he has a handsome number of of fans all around. This phenomenon is pretty much obvious from the number of fan made & operated poetry pages that he has on Facebook. I believe a world of is waiting to know what he actually thinks of about his own personality & his art (i.e. poetry). 

I genuinely felt that almost all the fans of Zain wanted an insight about who the real Zain is and they really need a high dose of Zain's interesting chit-chat. So here I am bringing to you an exclusive interview of this one of the best poets of Pakistan. Enjoy the read and don't forget to comment in the below box:

Shobywood: Salam Zain... Please tell us something about yourself...

Zain: (A typical Zain-ish kind of reply)

"Main Wich Kon Qataar..."

Means myself Zain Shakeel... I belong to the village Jalal Pur Jattan which is situated in Gujrat. I was born & brought up there and also got the initial education from the same place. From Matriculation onward, I further studied in Lahore and by profession I am a Software Engineer.

Shobywoood: How did you started poetry?

Zain: Accidentally (Smiles)... It is said that poets cannot be made, they are poets by birth (by-default) and this reality is revealed at a particular time span of one's life and it may be a product of any reason. In my case, I remember, I found Mr. Farhat Abbas Shah's poetry book "Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri" in my relative's library. I started reading it and went on to read it quite easily. To be honest, I couldn't understand it much but ALHAMDO LILLAH, being a good student, my memory & recalling skills were good enough so that is why I used to read it in the same rhyming scheme and as I said earlier, poetry is embedded within oneself by birth, it just needs a particular time to be triggered. Same happened in my case. I started feeling that rhythm and I easily memorised the book and from then onward, sort of a liking for poetry started and it grew just like an tumour.

I continued reading Mr. Farhat Abbas Shah more & more and till I reached my Matriculation, I was almost done with classical poets like Ghalib sb,  Meer sb, Momin sb , Dagh, Atish, Zoaq, Bahadur Shah Zafar and many others. I read some modern poets as well and wrote an almost devastated sort of Ghazal in the 8th standard, however I seriously threw away the idea of writing after that. I never thought of doing poetry on serious terms at that time. However I started writing regularly in my university.

Shobywood: What is poetry for you???

Zain: Sometimes I feel, if I was not doing poetry, my existence would have been non existed. I mean, you may consider a stone in place of Zain Shakeel if you minus poetry from me.

Shobywood: Which poet inspired you???

Zain: My teacher respected Sir Farhat Abbas Shah sb & Mohsin Naqvi Shaheed. In classical poets, one & only Ghalib sb and in modern era, Shahbaz Ali Naqvi.

(PS: Readers, I was just bowled over when he uttered my name in the list of his favourite poets... Cant thank him enough) :-) 

Shobywood: Zain, I have read much of your poetry. I feel, you have that incredible capability to depict innocent & sensitive emotions in an extremely delightful & unorthodox manner. What actually inspired or insists you to write with such delicacy? 

Zain: Sadness... Sweet sadness of love, Inner sadness, External sadness, Sadness of being sad, in short it is just one damn emotion that compels me to write and this is sheer sadness. Every human being has to go through some happy & sad phases in life. However some people are more pro-sensitive on even minute of the things and it is an out of the world phenomenon if you are a poet. Nevertheless, there are carious colours of poetry but to me, sadness is the real happiness. And this very sadness urges me to write I don't know how many things and then it hand me over the sadness in the form of these literary words.

Shobywood: It is said that love is a mandatory phenomenon for poetry. What do you feel in this regard?

Zain: I believe, poetry belongs to love. I have not found even a single poet from the clan of those who have hate within themselves, those who are tyrants or heartless. Take this, sometimes a reader who is not a poet himself recites a poetry, he has some real emotions or feelings running somewhere parallel in the background. Some where his heart really melts. He must have been observing a sensitivity, a delicacy and above all, the love. Considering this, I believe if poetry is without love, it is a pseudo poetry, just the amalgamation of words & phrases. I don't consider it a poetry to arrange phrases & sentences by learning Ilm e Urooz. It is just like putting bricks on each other.

Shobywood: I have observed, one term "Sandal" is used may be hundreds of times in your couplets and poems. Please tell us the reason behind it.

Zain: (Smiling) Very interesting question. someone gifted me a pencil in my childhood which was made up of Sandalwood and it had an excellent aroma. I must say that I was in awe of that fragrance, in fact, I am still in love with that fragrance. Unfortunately I lost that pencil somewhere. I tried to track it down but couldn't find it again. 

I couldn't found the pencil, however the fragrance stood within me and it still remain here. Fact is, I still use the perfume which has the fragrance of Sandal. The interesting part is, the fragrance which I developed the liking stays with me like a feeling. This is why I used the is word much often in my poetry.

Just to set the records, straight, let me clarify that whenever I use the word Sandal, I do not refer to a person. To me, it demonstrates the same feeling which I always tried to find and I found it even if it remained present somewhere near me or may be within myself.

Shobywood: In this age of mushroom growing social media, what is your stance about the "Facebookish" poets?

Zain: Honestly speaking, almost everyone is a poet, a presenter, a self proclaimed star here at Facebook. Times are changed now. No one bars you from doing anything. So everyone is doing whatever he or she wants to do and same is the case with the poets. Everyone is writing and sharing whatever he wants to, no matter how meaning less it is. I am not saying that everyone is bad here. In fact some of these new writers are fabulous, however their charm gets lost somewhere in this crowd.

Looks like everyone is running in a race and no one promotes any good stuff from others. I am sorry but I feel, hypocrisy & envy was always there but I believe, it is at its all times high in our age.

Shobywood: (Just taking liberty from what he said recently, we asked him). So Zain, do you think good writers are available now a days? If yes, why don't they come in front much often?

Zain: As, I have just said it, people want & strive to come forward but dilemma is they tend to bar the progress of next ones. It is absolutely fine, if someone wants to progress in a certain field and he should not be barred from doing so. But people do stop others. This is why, good writers are declining.

Shobywood: General public has almost stopped reading poetry. Is it because of the scarcity of good poets or due to the lacking of good audience?

Zain: No, I don't think so. People do read poetry in this age as well and perhaps they are now in pretty good numbers. However, the major problem is that there is a plethora of poets in this field today. You may find hundreds of poets within a small society. So where should a good reader go.

In this crowd, there are many good writers who fade away in the course of time. This age is full of cleverness and in this era, those simple poets who don't want any celebrity status are doing their own job while being in a veil and their simplicity sometimes becomes a pertinent reason of their disappearance. This is what I feel regarding today's world of poetry.

Shobywood: Masha ALLAH, you are quite famous among the general public and you enjoy a handsome volume of fan following as well. But you don't appear in Mushairas too often. why is it so?

Zain: I have attended a couple of programs but I observed there is much grouping & lobbying even in a single program. Every particular group is just appreciating the poets belonging to their particular group only and leg pulls the other group members.

The thing you may visit anywhere, no more are the days where we used to have house full public presence in the programs and people used to listen to their favourite poets with zeal & excitement. Now, you will see 20 persons attending the program and most of them are poets themselves. General public has lost hte interest. These poets reads their own poetry in front of other poets and even in this declining phase, the atmosphere is full of hypocrisy, grouping & lobbying.

I would love to attend a Mushaiara where number of general public would be higher than he poets.

Shobywood: Please tell us something about your published books?

Zain: I have published only one poetry book titled as "Chalo Udaasi Ke Paar Jaey" in the year 2015 and after that I could not get ample time to publish the other stuff.

Alhamdo LILLAH, I have almost 20 books already drafted which comprises of Nazm, Ghazals, Taweel Nazm, Azad Ghazal, Nasri Nazm and Seh'Misri Nazm.

Shobywood: Your poetry has the feel of that classic poetry amalgamated with a touch of sufism. What do you say?

Zain: Poetry of a person depicts, whatever he feel internally & spiritually. I have a special liking for the saints since my childhood and above all, I have the highest level of love, respect & regard for Prophet MOHAMMAD (saww) and HIS AAL e PAK (asws) PANJTAN PAK (asws). And this is their blessings that a colour of Sufism reflects through through my poetry.

Shobywood: Your Facebook Live show enjoys an immense liking. Do you have any plan to do radio FM programs or if there any invitation from a channel? W=If yes, what sort of program you will like to do?

Zain: I have my interest in literature only . I don't have any interest in fun & entertainment or politics. I have already received an offer from Lahore Chamber of Commerce Fm 98.6 for the program of Ghazal Time but I am unable to conduct it due to my domestic issues and continuous unavailability in Lahore. As soon as I shift to Lahore, I shall commence the program for sure. That's why I regularly do my own show on Facebook to keep in touch with my listeners.

Shoywood: You have also tried in a relatively different genre of poetry i.e. Azad Ghazal. How you see this genre?

Zain: To me, Azad Ghazal is simply an ongoing condition a frame of mind actually. To be honest, a large number of poets dont endorse this genre as far as creativity content is concerned. They say, we don't have any Qafiya or Radeef, you just keep on writing whatever floats in your mind by just keeping the Behar intact. However, I feel every single couplet of an Azad Ghazal is a revelation and it is very much pure & original. You don't need any Qafiya here. And the best part is you don't even have to think it before writing. I have observed that the pure thinking comes out quite categorically transparent in this genre of poetry.

Let me quote a simple example to give my point of view a more clarity. If we scold a child for doing something, either he will rebel & become worse or he will produce sort of a a fright within himself and it will ultimately impacts him in a bad manner. On the other hand, it we treat him with some good behaviour & independence, it will surely produce better results. Same is the case with Azad Ghazal. If you make the Ghazal free of the limitations of Qafiya & Radeef, it emerges out shining with diverse colour & ambience. It should not include any filler couplet.

Shobywood: Its not easy to pen a long poem (Taweel Nazm). You have written epics like "Maaham". What do you say about it?

Zain: I think, poem writing is more difficult than writing Ghazal. Poems are far more tricky in their nature. To me, there is no formula for writing a poem. Some one asked me, Sir, how to write a beautiful poem? I replied, by just indulging into it... By just disappearing & drowning in the phenomenon. 

You write a poem when you are captured in a phenomenon, a specific condition of sorts and when it is impossible to return from the phase. Any kind of feeling like Pain, Sadness, Love, Anticipation may become  the basis of it. In these scenarios, the words you create emerge to be known as a poem. When the feel is unanimous, the symphony & continuity of the poem remains uniform. This is the identity of a pure, true poem. 

Especially you talked about poem "Maham", I feel, that particular condition was so long lasting that I created the poem mere by indulging deep into it and as a result, Maham the poem came in to being.

Shobywood: You have written in Punjabi as well as in Urdu. In which language you like & prefer to do poetry?

Zain: I love both of the languages. Punjabi has its own charm and so does Urdu. Apart from this, I try to read Persian as well. I wish to write in Persian & Siraiki.

Shobywood: Do you like or have any plan to write lyrics for Dramas or Movies songs?

Zain: Yes, I have already penned lyrics of some of the songs. My songs "Main Piyar" sung by Sam Salamat Ali Khan is already released and many more are just about to be launched.

Shobywood: What are your future plans in the field of poetry?

Zain: I am working on poems. Insha ALLAH, I shall present new things in very different styles. The same will surely reach to you. Please keep on praying for me.

Shobywood: Which helpful tips you may provide for the upcoming poets?

Zain: I feel reading is much more important than learning the know how of Behr and Auzaan. You cannot write anything new unless you are well aware of your own cultural heritage. Rules & regulations of poetry comes far ahead, first of all it is mandatory to read the best of literature.

Shobywood: Any message you want to deliver for your fans?

Zain: Always remember me in your prayers. Just pray that I continues writing all through the whole journey of my life. And I really pray right from the bottom of my heart for all my fans.

Shobywood: Anything you want to say about my blog Shobywood, considering it the only blog in Pakistan which caters Hollywood, Bollywood, Lollywood along with the literature as well.

Zain: Shobywood is an excellent source of information. I have observed it the only one blog where you always try to do innovative stuff. Many people operate blogs but 90% of these blogs are mere copy paste material and you will find nothing new in these blogs, whereas the biggest plus of Shobywood is whatever topic or article you choose & write, it is always fresh, news & unique and this one thing makes the blog prominent. I always pray for your success and I wish more & more people get benefit from your blog :-)

On this note, we Thanked Zain Shakeel for giving his very crucial moments of his busy schedule. We wish him a great shining luck for all of his future endeavours.

Phir Tanha (Asim Tanha)- Poetry Book Review by Shoby

Phir Tanha (Asim Tanha)- Poetry Book Review by Shoby

Douglas Coupland said, The time you feel lonely is the time you most need to be by yourself. Perhaps this is why this young artist has found his true self and has exhibited all of his own through his poetry. While reading Asim Tanha's preface which he has written for his debut poetry book "Phir Tanha", one thing was striking my mind times & again. He has very innocently & intelligently revealed his true identity with this introduction and believe it or not, the biggest challange for someone in life is to reveal his true identity in front of this filthy, brutal & barbaric world.

He hails from the deserted land of Thal (Punjab) and it is obvious from his preface that his motherland has never been so kind to knowledge dissemination leave the art & literature things but one thing that has literally compelled him to write was his sheer imagination and thirst of discovering & sharing his own self.

Coming towards his poetry, let me tell you one thing, you can witness the very real Asim Tanha in each & every poetic piece he has written. To start of, he has given a mandatory homage & tribute to the personalities for whom this whole Universe was created Prophet MOHAMMAD (saww) o AAL e MOHAMMAD (saww):

Meri pehchaan bhi hain AAL e RASOOL (saww)

Mere her sher ka hawala bhi

NABI (saww) ki AAL (asws) pe jo Karbala mein guzra hai

Zamee'n pe is se bara saniha nahi hona

It is quite obvious from the very first glimpse of his writing that all the pain, agony, helplessness, rage, love, and above all the strongest feeling of being alone that he has went through in the span of his life has become an essential component of not only his personality but also his poetry. I feel, this is one thing that you actually will feel in his poetry. He was alone but his lonliness has never tenpered with the artist developing inside him. In fact, he has pictured his loneliness in an extremely engaging manner through his words:

Saath mat chor meri tanhai

Mujh ko rehna yahan hai phir tanha

Kiya hua dost chor den tanha,

In ke hotey bhi hum akeley hain

Hai assaasa hayat ka meri

Ishq soghaat or tanhai

Ik tamasha meri tanha ka

Dekhiye shehr baam per nikla

On one note, if Asim Tanha has written some beautiful Ghazals, he has also penned some extremely innocent full of gloom Nazm (poems). I just loved his way of expression in the poem "Zero". Just like his couplets & Ghazals, his poems are also full of feelings. Feelings that have been originated as a byproduct of being alone.

Somewhere in his poetry & prose (in preface) I have observed the social phenomenon which he has been going through all of his life. In totality, his every poetic piece be it a Nazm, Ghazal or a couplet, he has told a comprehensive story which will surely leave a strong impact on the readers when they will get to read the book.

I would like to congratulate Asim on his debut poetry book and wish him best of luck for the super success of his poetry. I believe the journey he has started is sort of no-ending trail and he will certainly leran mroe with hte passage of time and his learnt lessons will surely be exhibited in his future poetry. 

At the end, I would like to share some of his very beautiful couplets with you... Enjoy reading...

Chaand ki chhhilmano mein doob gai

Woh jo chehra shanaas thi meri

Dua mein manga tha tum ko, miley bhi, kho bhi gaey

Tumharey baad kisey ab dua ki khuahish hai

Mere sir per bhi aa ke beth huma

Or mujhey jhat se badshah ker de

Teri yaadon se lipat ker rona

Mashghala shaam ka yehi to hai

Famous Poet Zain Shakeel's Exclusive Interview... Coming Soon Only At Shobywood

Famous Poet Zain Shakeel's Exclusive Interview... Coming Soon Only At Shobywood

What an incredible age is this, where we are living. I mean if you have an internet connection, know a bit more of some nice Urdu phrases and have a gentle know-how of few software applications like Inpage and Photoshop... Congrats, you are a poet, ready to launch yourself in this almost limitless universe of social media. And I term these kind of poets "Facebookish Poets", who literally have no idea about what actually they are doing in the name of poetry. 

Last year, while roaming around here & there on Facebook in search of some nice good poetry, I came across this couplet:

Kabhi aa ker inhain shafaaf ker de

Tere waadon pe matti jamm chuki hai

And I got freeze... Tere waadon pe matti jamm chuki hai, I mean wholesomeness of this unique idea compelled me to read this real poet some more and I hit the "Like" button on his official page and then I was almost in a state of pleasure quoted shock. I dont want to be looked as ugly & proud but I really believe that today's world is seriously facing a drought in terms of good Urdu poets but this one person has seriously modified my thoughts. Genuinity, uniqueness & delicacy of his thoughts & concepts amalgamated with unbelievably beautiful execution by him has no doubt made myself his fan. He is the author of an excellent book Chalo Udaasi ke Paar Jaey and many other great poetic pieces. He is none other than Zain Shakeel and believe it or not, he is coming very soon at #Shobywood in an exclusive chit chat.

Zain enjoys an excellent repute not only among the critics but in general public as well and he has a handsome number of of fans all around. This phenomenon is pretty much obvious from the number of fan made & operated poetry pages that he has on Facebook. I believe a world of is waiting to know what he actually thinks of about his own personality & his art (i.e. poetry). So fasten your seat belts and keep on visiting my blog for more updates regarding this upcoming extravaganza, where you will get to read some real insight information related to your very favourite poet.

With Zain Shakeel's this one couplet,. I would say Happy Waiting :-)

Zain hoon, yaad kijiye mujh ko...

Aap ne naam to suna ho ga...

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.

Notable Art Works of Year 2016... Special Edition of Shobywood

Notable Art Works of Year 2016... Special Edition of Shobywood

Here is the very special edition of Shobywood where I have gathered all the best art & motion works that have appeared in the year 2016. This list contains best of Urdu digest novels, English seasons, Urdu couplets, Bollywood movies and songs. Enjoy reading and don't forget to mention your favourites in the comment box below:

BEST URDU NOVELS...

Namal (Urdu Digest Novel)- For the last three odd years, Ms. Nemrah Ahmed has glued us (and glued us in real literal terms) to the screens (read digest pages) and we the critics along with hundreds and thousands of her fans have been waiting anxiously for the new episode of her mega blockbuster Urdu Novel #Namal. The fights of Kardars vs Yousafs was superbly dealt by Nemrah Ahmed in this brilliantly written novel. Not only the novel is a super hit, my reviews on the same got magnificent recognition among the masses and people really waited for my reviews too.

Borshay (Urdu Digest Novel)- Believe me guys, this one will be remembered for ages to come. Ms. Sumaira Hameed has written yet another superb story on yet another unorthodox plot that has never been attempted before at least in the Urdu digest industry. This fairy tale sort of fantasy romance is something to cherished and if I have to pick an award for Best Innovation in Urdu Digest Writing, I'll not have even a minor second thought and shall present it straight to Ms. Sumera for her excellent work titled as Borshay. Needless to mention, Ms. Sumera gave me the title of "Johri of The Stories" much before the publishing of Borshay and my Borshay review was again an instantaneous hit.

Piyal Saaz (Urdu Digest Novel)- A beautiful little series that had everything in right volumes. Ms. Aymal Raza has chosen a simple tale that encompassed two generations in the story that was really heart moulding. It is pertinent to mention here that dialogues for Piyal Saaz were superbly written and can easily be termed as one of the best of the year in digest writing.

BEST TV SERIES/ SHOWS...

Travelers "Season 1" (English Language Series)- This year saw the new breed of world savers but this time they have come up all the way from (probable) future. This Netflix- Showcase original series is a great thing to watch especially for the twits & turns embedded in the story. Those who like watching good English language series must taste it for once to see how Grant MacLaren & his team (Marcy, Carly, Trevor and Philip) tries their heart out to save the world from a big might disaster.

Penny DreadFul "Season 3" (English Language Series)- One of my most favourite TV series Penny Dreadful from the banner Showtime returned this year with more secrets to be unveiled & more horror elements to entertain us. I watched it just for the sake of Ethan Chandler, Vanessa Ives and Ferdinand Lyle.

BEST COUPLETS OF 2016:

Woh kehta hai ke dil phir se lagao,

Khasarey per khasara, kis liye jee?

(Poetess: Fakhira Batool)

Jaa'n Hatheli Pe Le Ke Phirna Kiran

Tu meri jaan hai to yun'hi sahi

(Poetess: Kiran Rubab Naqvi)

Teri tajseem tak yun yeh rahey ge

Hamara chaak per bhi imteha'n hai

Gahey ulfat, gahey shamsheer hain hum

Yeh dil, asp e jahaan e kamra'n hai

(Poet: Col. Syed Maqbool Hussain)

Jaisey tumhain apna to koi gham hi nahi hai

Kiyo hum se udaasi ki wajah pooch rahey ho

Hum kaun hain hum kiya hain humain khud nahi maloom

Tum kon ho or kis ka pata pooch rahey ho

(Poet: Zain Shakeel)

Woh mujh ko dekhney mere qareeb aya hai

Yeh dhund sarey maheenon mein kiyo nahi hoti

(Poet: Haris Bilal)

Dua mein manga tha tum ko, miley bhi, kho bhi gaey

Tumharey baaad kisey ab dua ki khuahish hai

(Poet: Dr. Asim Tanha)

BEST BOLLYWOOD SONGS:

Ji Huzoori (Ki & Ka), Pashmina (Fitoor), Raaz Aankhein Teri (Raaz: Reboot), Buleya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil), Sanam Re (Sanam Re), Aey Dil Hai Mushkil (Aey Dil Hai Mushkil), Lo Maan Liya (Raaz Reboot), Tu Hai (Mohenjo Daro), Hua Hain Aaj Pehli Baar (Sanam Re), Rehnuma (Rockey Handsome), Soch Na Sake (Airlift) and Bolna (Kapoor & Sons).

BEST BOLLYWOOD MOVIES:

Honestly speaking no one particular movie in the year 2016 attracted me much. However I sort of liked Airlift, Traffic, Force 2, Kahaani 2 and Rocky Handsome.

MY DEBUT POETRY BOOK (MBMST)...

Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere (Urdu Poetry Book)- My debut poetry book. I have to say only one thing about Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere that it was my dream that came true. :-)

EXCLUSIVE- Aymal Raza's Review on my Poetry Book MBMST...

MBMST Review by Ms. Aymal Raza...

Who does not know Ms. Aymal raza, when it comes to good reads in modern day Urdu literature especially thosae who are fond of reading good write-ups in digests acknowledge her prowess of her writing different stories in an altogether different style & dialect. She has written critically acclaimed "Tavvez-e-Hubb" a couple of years back and just recently she has finished her famous novel "Piyal Saaz" which was published in a leading dihest and liked by masses.

I had hte prestigious opportunity to present my debut book "Main Bekhayali Mein Sang tere..." to Ms. Aymal and requested her to review the same. I have no words to thank for her kindness that she did not only read my book completely but also reviewd the same. Believe me it really worked like oxygen to me.

Let me share her review on my book... Please read her kind words & feedback...

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF KIRAN RUBAB NAQVI... COMING SOON

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF RENOWNED POETESS KIRAN RUBAB NAQVI… Coming Soon @ Shobywood

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 is 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.

This one of its kind conversation will let you see Kiran Rubab Naqvi like never before... So all of her fans are invited for the chit-chat of the year... Stay tuned to Shobywood for updates regarding her upcoming interview... 

Meanwhile lets have a glance at some of her masterpieces... Happy #Waiting :-)

Chalo Udaasi Ke Paar Jaey (Zain Shakeel)- Book Review by Shoby

Chalo Udaasi Ke Paar Jaey (Zain Shakeel)- Book Review by Shoby

Honestly speaking I dont read so-called poets of today's era. Most of them have no sense of rhyming schemes and they literally dont know the factual utilization of words with their most appropriate & understandable meanings. They even dont have any idea of where the behar of the poetic piece is going. Neither do they have any novel idea to express and nor they have beautiful treatment of words. Nevertheless I term them #Facebook or #SocialMedia Good for nothing poets.

And just by chance while browsing #Facebook I fortunately found a page named Zain Shakeel and I just had a glance on the same. Guess what, the below mentioned couplet emerged in front of my eyes:

Kabhi Aa Ker Inhain Shafaaf Ker dey...

Tere waadon pe matti jam gai hai...

Dont you feel Goose Bumps I bet you had. I am so sure about it because I felt the same. The depth of the couplet, the concept, the beautiful & simple words used to present the idea was so unorthodox that it tempted me to read more of the poet and after going through some more of his couplets, I instantly perceived that hey be aware! this magician named as Zain Shakeel has all the characteristics to spell cast you by his words.

So after few weeks, being a true admirer of honest & true artists, I contacted Zain Shakeel to praise his writing skills & there we started having a nice friendship bond. Just a few days back, my friend Zain sent me his debut poetry book titled as Chalo Udaasi Ke Paar Jaey and although I dont consider myself worthy enough to say even a single word for this gem of an artist, I am still writing a humble review on his book just to pay him the due regard.

So what is this #CUKPJ all about. I may sum up the whole story by uttering mere one word Emotions... I have talked to Zain a few times and through our conversations, I observed one thing about Zain. He is a very sincere & honest person and same is depicted by his words. His poetry is nothing except sheer presentation of very honest feeling & emotions.

Zain starts of the book with a tribute to the ASHRAF ul MAKHLOOQAAT, PAGHAMBAR e AKRAM MOHAMMAD MUSTAFA (saww) in the form of a Naat e RASOOL e MAQBOOL (saww). See how beautifully he is expressing the very righteous views:

Ik nazar e karam ho to kahin daad bhi paon

Kehna ke yeh bebas ki hai rudaad NABI Jee...

No doubt, we are nothing and the only ray of hope for all of us is the Shifa'at of our dearest PROPHET MOHAMMAD (saww).

As I stated earlier, Zain's poetry is all about emotions and the best aspect about his poetry is that he does not remain static in only a few of them. Although as the title suggests, the overall feel of the book is warm, sad & grieved, he still managed well to deal with many other emotions of human life as well.

If he depicts sheer sadness in his poem Chalo Udaasi Ke Paar Jaey, U will surely find a very loving & caring person in his poetry. Check one of his Punjabi couplet:

Us diyan akhiyan wasdiyan her dum...

Tu jis jis da peer wey ishqa...

Zain is blessed with the treasure of expressing diverse thoughts in very unorthodox manner. The below mentioned couplet tells us the same:

Rsta kaisey milta mere khawabon ko...

Main neendon se shart lagaey betha hoon...

He stunned me with his undermentioned couplet. Beautiful indeed

Aisey naazil hua khayal ter...

Jaisey koi azaab utra hai...

Somewhere in his poetry, you may feel a sort of complaint. This complaint is basically his agony that tempts him to write this way:

Zain, her baar main hi yaad aon...

Woh kabhi khud bhi mujhey yaad karey...

Aaj shayad teri suni jaey...

Aaj tu mehw e iltija hona...

Dekhiye, hath mein ehsaas mera mat lijiye...

Aap thak jaey ge tukrey mere chuntey chuntey...

Zain hoon, yaad kijiye mujh ko...

Aap ne naam to suna ho ga...

Zain's poems flow like a stream... Silent, if we look from far away but full of strength if we monitor them closely. I personally liked his poems Bol Piya, Mere Sarey Mausam Ho, Udaasi, Piyar Karo Na and a beautiful short poem with no title presented below:

Koi to hai na

Ke jis ki khatir

Udaas rehney 

ka shoq sa hai!

I personally dont like the genre of Azad Ghazal but Zain's poetry compelled me to read more of it and eventually I started liking the concept. It is pertinent to mention here that writing an Azad Ghazal is not an easy task altogether.

One of his couplets from Azad ghazal that has become my most favorite is:

Mujhey bikhrey bikhrey se baal yun bhi pasand hain...

Mujhey maatmi se libaas mein na mila karo...

Overall, this poem is a beautiful blend of sincere & honest emotions depicted in true & loud words. I would like to congratulate Zain Shakeel on this exceptional attempt on writing this very nice poetry book and I wish he writes more & more of this... Good Luck & Stay Blessed Zain...

Col. Syed Maqbool Hussain on my book Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere...

Precious Words by Mr. Col. Syed Maqbool Hussain for my book Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere...

I am greatful to the chairman of Harf Acadmey Pakistan, Mr. Col. Syed Maqbool Hussain for taking out time and writing some very nice words for my book... Getting praise & appreciation from these sort of masters in the field is very inspirational and a real motivation booster... Thank you very much Sir once again...

Regards,

Shahbaz Ali Naqvi (Shoby)

Fakhira Batool's Preface on my book- Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere

Preface of my book written by eminent writer author of 18 books & international award winning poetess Ms. Fakhira Batool's preface for my book Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere...

Thanks a lot Maam for your very precious words...

Regards,
Shahbaz Ali Naqvi (Shoby)

My First Poetry Book- Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere

Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere- A Book by Shahbaz Ali Naqvi (Shoby)

Alhamdo LILLAH... With the blessings of ALLAH and PANJTAN PAK (asws)... My first Poetry book titled "Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere" is now available...

You may contact my publishing partner Harf Academy on below mentioned numbers for purchasing the book...

O336-5262149..... Mr. Col. Syed Maqbool Hussain

0331-5456934..... Mr. Rashid

Regards,

Shahbaz Ali Naqvi (#Shoby)

In Conversation with Fakhira Batool- Exclusive Interview with Shoby

In Conversation with Fakhira Batool- Exclusive Interview with Shoby

Our national language Urdu has been fortunate enough to witness legends in writing. We have seen writers who have given us classics both in poetry & prose. I personally believe this space is not enough to name all of those icons that have given so much to this language. However sort of a dilemma is that we have not seen much visibility of female writers and therefore only few of the names come to our mind when we talk about Urdu female writers.

Fakhira Batool Naqvi, person behind the epic romantic poem "Tum Mere Kiya Ho" is one of those very few female writers who has made her presence felt in the literary society by portraying diverse emotions in an altogether different manner. Although our national Govt is not giving due share of credit to our icons but international arena respects the talent. Fakhira Batool is the only Pakistani writer who has been honored with two international awards from the literary societies of Albania & China for her work in the field of literature. Translated version of her poem “Suicide” won her Frang Bardhi Literary Award in 2014 and The International Poetry Translation and Research Center (IPTRC) China awarded her for her outstanding work in literature in 2013. It is a distinctive feather on her cap that she is the only female writer who has been honored on such a grand global scale in the world.

On her credit, there are 17 Urdu language books with a mix of her own poetry, collection of poetry of other legends of the business, book based on current affairs related columns and a book dedicated to children's comprising rhymes & poems. It is pertinent to mention here that she is by far the only female Urdu writer in the whole planet who has written a book dedicated to conversational genre (Mukalmati Shairy) and a book for children (Bachey Sarey Sachey). She is the only female writer of Pakistan who has come up with a dedicated book on satirical comedy titled Shar-Aadaten. Here's listing her all books which have been published till date:

1. Palken Bheegi Bheegi Si 2. Chand Ne Badal Orh Lya 3. Kaho Woh Chand Kesa Tha? 4. Ab Bhary Shahr Mein Mujhay Dhoondo 5. Samandar Poochta Ho Ga 6. Door Mat Nikal Jana 7. Bhula Dia Na...? 8. Ghulab Khushboo Bana Gaya Hai 9. Mohabbat Ki Nahein Tum Ne 10. Mohabbat Khas Tohfa Hai 11. Dasht e Tanhai Mein 12. Shar Aadatein (Tanz o Mizah) 13. Tumhein Ham Yad Aaeyen Gey 14. Sargoshi (Columns) 15. Bachey Sarey Sachey 16. Usey Roktey Bhi To Kis Liye 17. HUSSAIN (asws) fateh Hai Karbala Ka

It is an achievement of Shobywood that for the first time ever, we are presenting her interview in English language for our Pakistani as well as global followers. Although she has stopped giving interviews, however when we approached her for an exclusive interview for Shobywood, she was kind enough to accept the request. Bundle of thanks is not enough for her kind gesture. Now without any further ado, let’s read her conversation exclusively made with us.

Note: SW presents Shobywood and FB depicts Fakhira Batool

SW: Maam, please tell us about how you started poetry. FB: Poetry is in our blood. Our ancestors have been bestowed by ALLAH in the form of this art. My grandfather (Dada) Syed Yousaf Ali Naqvi wrote several religious books. My grandfather (Nana) Syed Ameer Ahmed Shah Bukhari was a scholar as well as seasoned poet of this Potohar region, who used to write in multiple languages primarily in Urdu, Punjabi, Potohari (a dialect of Punjabi), and Persian etc. So it is valid to state that poetry breathes in our genes. Same is the case with me.

SW: So, I should better rephrase my question. How you thought about making it public. FB: There was an inter colleges poetry competition and one of our teachers who knew that I could write asked me to write something on the topic of Mazdoor (Labor). So I hold the pen and wrote a satirical comedy on the life events of a labor. It got clicked and we even won the competition. From then onwards, the journey started and Alhamdo LILLAH, it is going on till date.

SW: Maam, we have seen many people who are not born poets but still they try to write by copying others but they cannot be successful. Do you think poetry can be learnt? FB: Poetry is a natural art and it is like one single equation you are a poet or you are not a poet at all. It can never be learnt. This is why those who copies others do not survive long.

SW: People say that you are a poetess who knows the real ingredients of writing a perfect romance. What is your take on it? FB: Being honest, whatever I write, it always has that emotional agony & warmth which the reader gets to feel. Love can never be perfect in its totality. Therefore, romantic poetry always possess the feel of incompleteness in it. This is why it is almost impossible to define the term “perfect romance”.

SW: Who are your favorite poets? FB”: Ghalib sb, Faiz sb, Muneer Niazi sb, Jaun Elias sb. They all are my favorites.

SW: What do you enjoy writing most. Ghazals or Nazm (poems)? FB: Alhamdo LILLAH poetry comes like a dream to me and it is safe to say that by the Grace of Almight I can easily write any sort of poetry (ghazals & nazm both).

SW: Maam, we have heard that you have presented Pakistan in the global arena as well. FB: Yes, you are right. Alhamdo LILLAH, I was invited in UAE (Dubai), Qatar and England for various mushira and I presented Pakistan. Artists are the symbol of peace, love any unity and this was my message wherever I went.

SW: Maam do you think a critic is mandatory for making one’s writing better? FB: Critics work as a mentor and I have always been saying that critic should do criticism of one’s art work, rather giving it a look of post mortem.

SW: Who do you think as your literary teacher? FB: I have literally not learnt poetry from anyone and whatevetr I write, it’s a blessing of ALLAH and MASOOMEEN (asws). However I consider Ghalib sb as my teacher as his poetry has always been inspirational for me.

SW: Tell us something about your first book. FB: My first poetry book was Palken Bheegi Bheegi Si and it was published way back in 1992.

SW: Maam, Our followers and your fans want to know more about your personal life. Will you please share us something about the same. FB: My husband Syed Tanveer Abbas Naqvi was also a great writer and we suffered with his unfortunate demise in 2009. Masha ALLAH, I am a mother of two and no doubt both of them are the biggest asset of my life. I cherish the relationship of mother the most.

SW: Your proudest moment of life? FB: When we went to perform Ziyaraat, especially when we performed Zeyrat of IMAM HUSSAIN (asws). I can’t describe the feelings in words. It is like I am still there and will always remain there.

SW: Maam you have been honored on global level from foreign countries twice, however unfortunately Govt of Pakistan has never recognized your efforts in the literature field. Your fans want to know, how you feel about it. FB: (With an innocent smile on her face) Its such a simple phenomenon. Look, we are living in a country where poets are applauded on the basis of their personal network & relationships inspite of their own capabilities, skill & work in Mushairas. So a place where someone is praised for his/ her relationships instead of work, how can we even think about getting honors purely on our work?

SW: Maam, Shobywood is first of its kind Pakistani blog, which is dedicated to reviews on films & literature. It also gives an insight about sports events & current affairs. Any kind words for this international blog. FB: Although I am not much fond of these tech gadgets that people of our age like to explore but still I got to read your blog. And honestly it is one of those online spaces that one gets astonished after visiting. Your critic Shoby not only highlights the positive & best aspects of a movie, he also pin points those shortcomings that makes the film look mediocre. He also advices sometime to the film makers for the betterment. I would personally like to suggest that you can make your blog even more attractive by sharing life struggle & success stories of our legends,their experiences and interviews with celebrities. So that our young generation gets to know how hard work has made them be successful.

SW: At the end, we would ask if you would like to give any message exclusively for your fans and Shobywood’s followers. FB: From this platform, I would like to thanks Shobywood and my fans for their everlasting love & support. Just one message, spread happiness so that you may also get the same in return. Thank you.

At this note, we sign out. Hope you have enjoyed reading the interview. Do tell us in comments & shahbazalinaqvi@gmail.com how you liked it.

Youwill surely enjoy reading some master pieces from her poetry, given below: