How Faiz Ahmed Faiz's Poetry Transcends Time

Faiz Ahmed Faiz, the man who blurred the lines between revolutionary and romantic poetry, wrote about lovers’ woes and the spirit of revolution which blended into something of a masterpiece.

I believe there will be individuals from every generation who connect with Faiz’s poetry and therefore there are modern musicians who try to interpret Faiz’s poetry in their own way.

The ghazal that struck me the most was ‘Gulon Mein Rang Bhare’ originally sung by Mehedi Hasan but captured my attention in the relatively newer rendition by Arijit Singh.

Gulon Mein Rang Bhare by Mehdi Hassan:

This song can be interpreted in many ways and was written by Faiz from the Central Jail in Sindh. This poem was an appeal from Faiz to not let his spirit of protest diminish in jail. Although Arijit Singh’s version from Haider is of a similar essence, the rendition sung by Prithvi Gandharv and Pratibha Baghel had me in tears with its feelings of love and friendship, giving a totally new meaning to the poem.

Gulon Mein Rang Bhare by Arijit Singh:

‘Aaj Bazaar Mein’ is a poem about freedom. When Faiz was being taken to the dentist from jail in a cart, a large group of people recognized him and started following him and this poem expresses the emotions he felt that day.

First sung by Nayyara Noor, this motivational ghazal says to march forward even if you are in shackles. More recently it has been sung by Ali Sethi and the Pasoori star Shae Gill as covers on YouTube.

Aaj Bazar Mein by Nayyara Noor:

Aaj Bazar Mein by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill:

‘Mujhse Pehli Si Mohabbat’, a ghazal originally sung by Noor Jahan, calls out not only the lover but also the human in you. It discusses how the sufferings of the past encountered by humanity are much greater than the sufferings of lovers.

Noor Jahan and more recently Humera Channa and Nabeel Shaukat have beautifully encapsulated the tragic states of humanity in the two circumstances.

Mujhse Pehli Si Mohabbat by Noor Jahan:

Mujhse Pehli Si Mohabbat by Humera Channa and Nabeel Shaukat:

So many modern singers and musicians still resonate with words that were written during different times and conditions truly signifies that emotions through words and music truly transcend the temporary nature of life and stand the test of time.

Also read: The Mystical Qawwali

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