A big thank you to our well-wisher, Sophia Andrade Kapadia, who makes it a point to be present at every Mehfil (even those where we are unable to be physically present for), here are some highlights sent in by Sophia, from last month’s Mehfil.

January 2016’s Mehfil at Prithvi Theatre was devoted to understanding the #Urdu Nazm and its various forms. How does a #Nazm differ from a #Ghazal ?
Salim Arif Sa’ab played a nazm and a gazal to help us understand the difference. Javed Siddiqi Sa’ab further elaborated on the finer points of difference. He spoke about the various forms of Nazms – Qasida, Masnavi, Marsiya – Nauha is a form of Marsiya.

Also depending on the number of lines and their repetition – Nazms can be categorized under:
– Musaddas – groups of six lines; example – Shikwa by Iqbal
– or another one made of groups of 4 lines where the fourth line is repeated
an example being Awara by Majaaz

Javed Sa’ab shared with us that the literal meaning of the word ‘Nazm’ means bandobast (organization). But it also means – a silken thread; and this meaning suits it better. A silken thread grouping thoughts in the form of pearls of words.

Here are some examples of nazms and ghazals played at the Mehfil
– Mehdi Hassan singing Gulon Mein Rang Bhare – Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKwCwDPlOy8

– Jajit Singh singing Baat Niklegi Toh Door Talak Jayegi
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=448K_sTZZ9Q

– Nageen, daughter of Habib Tanvir, singing Nazeer Akbarabadi’s Aadmi nama
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZpN7-3XG8s

– Allama Iqbal – Shikwa
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30lZvHSPsQ0

– Mujhse Pehli Si Mohabbat by Faiz Ahmed Faiz – Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzn8EuHHKpU

– Awara by Majaz, sung by Talat Mahmood
– Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-lWsSKLAqY

– Chalo Ek baar phir se by Sahir Ludhianvi
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzbO1mjFPOM

– Shaam hoti hai, seher hoti hai by Akhtar ul Iman
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqyjDCqNA1c

– Koi ye kaise bataye ke by Kaifi Azmi – The Man with the Flaming Words
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UByuXScv3CA

– Aaj jaane ki zidd na karo by Fayyaz Hashmi, sung by Farida Khanum
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBvdIsBmQ6g
– Jayant Parmar – some of his poems can be found here
https://rekhta.org/nazms/ek-sitaaraa-tuut-giraa-thaa-jayant-parmar-nazms

Courtesy: Sophia Andrade Kapadia

In February, at Mehfil@Prithvi, discover and celebrate the beauty and cultural history of Urdu through letters.
Letters have been a traditional mode of communication till recently. Urdu language from its early days has seen an evolution in style and content of letters which are now counted as important literary pieces. In the hands of people like Mirza Ghalib, Maulana Azad, Josh Malihabadi, Safiya Akhtar, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Amrita Pritam letters have become important perspectives in understanding their concerns and responses. They become interesting windows to see through these literary giants. Mehfil@Prithvi this month will bring forth some important samples of these now forgotten art, showcasing these letters in recitation, readings and recordings. Entry free on first come first basis

Date: Tue 9th Feb

Time: 7pm

Venue: Prithvi Adda