How deep is a poet's love?

The 'Keats of India', had a tragic life. Can talent really win you everything?

Majaz Lakhnawi, the romantic; Image source: Cinestaan

'Humko mita sake zamane me dum nahi

Humse hai zamana, zamane se hum nahi.'

"Time doesn't create me, I create the time. Time doesn't have what it takes to destroy me." The poet, Majaz lived a hard life, the life of a romantic. He may not have got the recognition he deserved then but his immortal legacy today is unparalleled.

Asrar-ul-Haq was born on 19th October 1911 in Rudali which lies today in Uttar Pradesh. He wrote under the pen name Majaz Lakhnawi. He was the maternal uncle of Javed Akhtar, the eminent poet who is the recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhusan. However, Majaz's life didn't pan out the way his nephew's poetic career did.

He suffered from a hearing impairment which could have been the cause of his moody erratic behaviour. When one looks upon his life, one can see patterns of depression and loneliness which many gifted poets like Kannadasan had faced. He was nicknamed 'Jaggan Bhaiya' since he used to stay awake at night to work. He wrote his best creations in pitch darkness and lonesome nights.

Fed up with his life in Lucknow he turned to Bombay, the city of cinema and dreamers but his poems are something you would consider ahead of his time and revolutionary. He was never accepted by Indian cinema. It was while he was studying at Aligarh Muslim University that he came in contact with Progressive Writer's Association. Soon enough he became the leading charm of it. His poems were exceptionally vibrant not which weren't taken very positively by the industry.

He left Bombay disappointed. But for a poet, each blues of life becomes a note of inspiration. His days in Bombay inspired him to write one of the most well-known ghazals of today, 'Awaara'.

Shehar ki raat aur main nashaad-o-nakaara phiroon

Jagmagaati jaagti sadkon par aawara phiroon

Gair ki basti hai, kab tak dar-ba-dar maara phiroon,

Ai gham-e-dil kya karun, ai vehshat-e-dil kya karoon.

His poem shed the life of the beauty and riches the city holds that remain inaccessible to someone like him.

Even if his luck in the film industry didn't work out, he was a well known name in Lucknow. His dashing looks, gifted mind and beautiful voice had gathered a huge fan following. Girls would queue up in the halls where he was to perform but Majaz had the heart of a poet. He had given his entire love one-sidedly to a girl. He remained loyal to her and continued with his bachelor life till the end of his days. His only companion became alcohol and depression.

It was only later when the film industry truly began appreciating his gift. The Awaara lyrics given above were sung by Talat Mahmood under the title, "Ai gham-e-dil kya karoon" in the movie Thokar featuring Shammi Kapoor. Even though the film didn't do well the song became Mahmood's most exceptional hit, making Majaz immortal.

Later even his particular style became famous, his short kurta, wavy hair became a fashion statement though he didn't live too long to see this happen. His addiction to alcohol became his only and devasting vice. He continued drinking in the cold after his friends had left. He continued drinking till he could and quietly passing away in his sleep on 5th December. When his body was found he was quickly rushed to a hospital where the doctors diagnosed a brain haemorrhage and pneumonia.

His condolence meeting was held on 7 December 1955 in the Rifah-e-Aam Hall which was attended by poets and writers from all over India. His grave contains the following lyrics of his ghazal in 1945.

And after this, there is morn and the new morning Majaz

With me ends the eve of sorrows of Lucknow.