Kaif Bhopali: Remembering A Forgotten Poet-Lyricist

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 24 February 2024 I'm in the habit of looking for tributes and obituaries on Urdu poets on their birth and death anniversaries. So, when I didn't find even a fleeting mention of the poet-lyricist Kaif Bhopali on his birth anniversary on February 20, I felt sad. Kaif Bhopali and Asad Bhopali, yet another ill-fated contemporary poet-lyricist from Bhopal, never got the recognition they deserved. In a highly competitive world of song-writing for Hindi films when there were stalwarts like Sahir, Kaifi, Majrooh, Shakeel, Shailendra, Hasrat, among others who were getting regular works, it was indeed difficult for a simple and self-effacing man like Kaif to find a place and write prolifically. Yet, he immortalised himself by writing 'Chalo Dildaar Chalo Chaand Ke Paar Chalo,' 'Teer-e-Nazar Dekhenge, Zakhm-e-Jigar Dekhenge' (both from Pakeezah, 1972) and a rare gem of a song, 'Apne Aap Raaton Mein Chilmanein Sarakti Hain' (Lata, Film: Shankar Hussain, 1977). Kaif became more popular as a poet whose Ghazals, Nazms and couplets instantaneously struck a chord with the connoisseurs and Mubassir (discerning) readers and listeners of Urdu poetry. His poetry didn't revolve around love and beloved. Kaif also wrote serious and meaningful poetry. The following couplets will buttress my point: Mai-Kasho Aage Badho, Tishna Labo Aage Badho Apna Haq Maanga Nahin Jaata Hai, Chheena Jaata Hai (Those who're athirst, must march forward to quench their thirst, for, one mustn't beg for one's rights but snatch them). This couplet reminds you of Sahir's famous couplet, Apna Haq Sangdil Zamane Se Chheen Pao Toh Koi Baat Bane/ Sar Jhukane Se Kuchh Nahin Hoga, Sar Uthao Toh Koi Baat Bane (Film: Naya Raasta, 1970, sung by Rafi). This couplet has greater significance in these times, when there's an oppressive and despotic government at the helm. But are the masses aware of their fundamental rights like a decent life, job, house and two square meals? Do we question the current political dispensation regarding our basic rights? Alas, we're all much more concerned about temples, mosques, Ram, Sita and Hanuman. This is so sad. And Chalte Hain Bach Ke Shaikh O Barahman Ke Saaye Se Apna Yahi Amal Hai Bure Aadmi Ke Saath (I avoid the company of Shaikh and Brahman / This is how I treat dubious and shady characters). Shaikh and Brahman, the veritable contractors of faith (Mazhab Ke Thekedaar) must be avoided like pariahs. They're the people who foment all troubles and brew religious differences. Kaif once recited a couplet in a private gathering in Bombay, "Mazhab Se Khud Ko Jitna Door Rakha/ Utna Main Insaan Ke Qareeb Aaya" (The more I distanced myself from religion, the closer I came to humans). So true to the last syllable! The more you keep yourself away from religion and its murky business/ The more you align with your fellow humans. Strangely, I didn't find this couplet when I rummaged through Kaif's oeuvre in Urdu. I read this in an article in now-defunct Urdu Risala (magazine) 'Beesveen Sadi.' Kaif will remain ensconced in the hearts of people like yours truly who value perspicuous poetry, regardless of the language it's written or spoken in. ------ 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://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/kaif-bhopali-poet-lyricist-/d/131786 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism