When 'Firaq' Put Josh In His Place
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
28 August 2024
Who hasn't heard the name of the great Raghupati Sahay ' Firaq' Gorakhpuri whose birth anniversary falls today, August 28?
The redoubtable genius, who taught English Literature at Allahabad University, enriched Urdu literature, esp. poetry, with his sublime couplets, Ghazals, Rubai, Nazm and even Marsiya ( elegies).
August 28 is Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' Gorakhpuri's 128th birth anniversary
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The eccentric genius was contemporary of Josh Malihabadi, who was also a formidable poet. Josh was also an eccentric. He had a bad habit. Since Josh's command of Urdu was phenomenal, he'd often correct younger poets and even his coevals in public and on the stage. He'd also give uncalled-for advice that used to annoy poets and friends.
Once after a mushaira in Lahore in 1961, he dared advise 'Firaq', "Aap Rumani Aur Halki-Phulki Shayari Acchhi Kar Lete Hain. Sanjeeda Shayari Mein Aap Ka Haath Thoda Tang Deekhta Hai. Mera Mashvara Hai Ke Aap Rumani Shayari Par Zyada Tavajjoh Dein" (You write light and romantic poetry pretty well. Serious poetry is not your cup of tea. I suggest, you had better focus on romantic poetry). Alas, Josh picked, and also piqued, a wrong person! ' Firaq' retorted, "Intiha-E-Beadabi-O-Gustakhi Toh Dekhiye/ Chale Hain Mashvara Dene 'Firaq' Ko" (Look at the height of impudence and discourtesy/ 'Firaq' is being tutored! ).
Josh never advised anyone after that. To quote Shakeel Badayuni, "Ahle-Sukoon Se Khel Na Ae Mauj-E-Imbisaat/ Ik Din Ulajh Ke Dekh Kisi Badnaseeb Se" (O, wave of ecstasy, don't play with docile ones/ Rather face a tougher one).
There're conceited and deluded people who're past masters in giving unsolicited pieces of advice. When someone is getting too big for his britches, it becomes an absolute necessity to put him in his place. Josh Malihabadi needed a severe jolt and also a reality check. Who could do that better than the irrepressible ' Firaq' Gorakhpuri?
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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/firaq-josh-raghupati-sahay-gorakhpuri/d/133058
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