Rahat Indori: The Soulful Voice of Urdu Poetry
Rahat Indori, a renowned name in the realm of Urdu poetry, left an indelible mark on the hearts of poetry enthusiasts worldwide. His passionate verses, poignant expressions, and captivating style have made him an icon in the world of Urdu literature. Born on January 1, 1950, in Indore, India, Rahat Indori's poetic journey was destined to touch the hearts and souls of millions.
Early Life and Education: Rahat Indori was born into a modest family in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Despite facing financial challenges, his love for poetry and literature blossomed from a young age. He completed his schooling in Indore and later pursued a Master's degree in Urdu literature from Islamia Karimia College, Indore. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his poetic brilliance.
Poetic Style and Influence: Rahat Indori's poetic style was characterized by his unique ability to blend classical Urdu with contemporary elements. His verses effortlessly weaved together emotions, social commentary, and spiritual introspection. His poems resonated with people from all walks of life, addressing themes of love, loss, social issues, and the human condition.
Indori's work drew inspiration from the rich poetic tradition of legends such as Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Kaifi Azmi. His mastery of poetic meters, his profound understanding of Urdu literature, and his powerful delivery made him a force to be reckoned with in the realm of Urdu poetry.
Fame and Recognition: Rahat Indori gained prominence as a poet during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He became widely known for his soul-stirring couplets and mesmerizing performances in mushairas (poetic gatherings). His words transcended barriers of language, religion, and nationality, captivating audiences in India and abroad.
Indori's popularity soared even higher with the advent of social media platforms, where his recitations and verses became viral sensations. His distinctive voice, coupled with his ability to articulate the deepest emotions, earned him a dedicated fan base. His iconic couplet, "बुलबुलों संग ठहर जा, अब तेरे इंतजार में रहते हैं" (Stay with the nightingales, we await your arrival), became an anthem of hope and longing for millions.
Notable Works: Rahat Indori penned numerous memorable verses that continue to resonate with poetry lovers. Some of his notable works include "Dil Ki Baat Labon Par," "Maujood," "Meri Shayari Mere Wajood," and "Chand Pagal Hai." His poetic collections showcased his versatility and ability to touch the deepest recesses of the human heart.
Legacy and Impact: Rahat Indori's untimely demise on August 11, 2020, left a void in the world of Urdu poetry. However, his poetic legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring poets and lovers of Urdu literature. His words remain etched in the hearts of his followers, serving as a constant reminder of the power of poetry to transcend time and touch the soul.
Rahat Indori's contribution to Urdu poetry extends far beyond his captivating verses. He was also a respected academic, serving as a professor of Urdu literature at Indore University. His teachings and mentorship nurtured a new generation of poets, ensuring the preservation and evolution of Urdu poetry.
In conclusion, Rahat Indori will always be remembered as a poet who breathed life into words, who had the ability to evoke raw
Mere hujre me nahi aur kahi par rakh do
Aasmaan laaye ho le aao zameen par rakh do
Maine jis taaq me kuch toote deeye rakhe hain
Chaand taaron ko bhi le jaake wahi par rakh do
Ab kahan dhoondhne jaoge hamaare Qaatil
Aap to qatl ka ilzaam hami par rakh do
Ho wo jamuna ka kinaara ye koi shart nahi
Mitti mitti hi me rakhni hai kahi par rakh do
teri har baat mohabbat men gawara kar ke
dil ke bazar men baiThe hain ḳhasara kar ke
aate jaate hain kai rang mere chehre par
log lete hain maza zikr tumhara kar ke
ek chingari nazar ayee thi basti men use
wo alag haT gaya andhi ko ishara kar ke
asmanon ki taraf phenk diya hai main ne
chand miTTi ke charaġhon ko sitara kar ke
main wo dariya hun ki har bund bhanwar hai jis ki
tum ne achchha hi kiya mujh se kinara kar ke
muntazir hun ki sitaron ki zara aankh lage
chand ko chhat pur bula lunga ishara kar ke
Agar khilaaf hain hone do jaan thodi hai,
Ye sab dhuwan hai koi aasman thodi hai,
Lagegi aag to aayenge ghar kayi zaddd mein,
Yaha pe sirf hamara makaan thodi hai,
Main janta hoon ki dushman bhi kam nahi lekin,
Hamaari tarah hatheli pe jaan thodi hai,
Hamaare munh se jo nikle wahi sadaqat hai,
Hamare munh mein tumhaari zubaan thodi hai,
Jo aaj sahib-e-masnad hai kal nahi honge,
Kiraaye daar hain zaati makaan thodi hai,
Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yahan ki mitti mein,
Kisi ke baap ka HINDUSTAN thodi hai..."
اگر خلاف ہے تو ہو نے دو جان تھوڑی ہے،
یہ سب دھواں ہے کوئی آسمان تھوڑی ہے،
لگے گی آگ تو آئیں گے گھر کی زد میں،
یہاں پہ سرف ہمارا مکان تھوڑی ہے،
میں جانتا ہوں کی دشمن بھی کم نہیں لیکین،
ہماری ترہ ہاتھیلی پر جان تھوڑی ہے،
ہمارے مہ سے جو نکلے واہی صداقت ہے،
ہمارے مہ میں تمھاری زبان تھوڑی ہے،
جو آج صاحب مسند ہے کل نہیں ہوں گے،
کرائے دار ہیں زا آتی میکان تھوڑی ہے،
سبھی کا خون ہے شا مل یہاں کی مٹی میں،
کسی کے باپ کا ہندستان تھوڑی ہے..."
hath Khaali hain tere shahar se jate jate
jaan hoti to meri jaan luTate jate
ab to har hath ka patthar hamen pahchanta hai
umr guzri hai tere shahr men aate jate
ab ke mayus hua yaron ko ruKHsat kar ke
ja rahe the to koi zaKHm lagate jate
rengne ki bhi ijazat nahin hum ko warna
hum jidhar jate nae phul khilate jate
main to jalte hue sahraon ka ek patthar tha
tum to dariya the meri pyas bujhate jate
mujhko rone ka saliqa bhi nahin hai shayad
log hanste hain mujhe dekh ke aate jate
humse pahle bhi musafir kai guzre honge
kam se kam rah ke patthar to haTate jate
kitni pi kaise kaTi raat mujhe hosh nahi
raat ke saath gai baat mujhe hosh nahi
mujh ko ye bhi nahin maaluum ki jaana hai kahaN
thaam le koi meraa haath mujhe hosh nahi
aaNsuon aur sharaabon men guzar hai ab to
main ne kab dekhi thi barasaat mujhe hosh nahi
jaane kyaa TuTaa hai paimaana ki dil hai meraa
bikhare bikhare hain Khayaalaat mujhe hosh nahi
Log har mod pe ruk-ruk ke sambhalte kyun hain
Itna darte hain to phir ghar se nikalte kyon hain
Main na jugnu hu diyaa hu na koi tara hu
Roshni waale mere naam se jalte kyon hain
Neend se mera ta-A-lluq hi nahi barsoN se
khwab aa-aa ke meri chhat pe tahalte kyon hain
Mod hota hai jawani ka sambhalne ke liye
Aur sab log yahin aake phisalte kyon hain