मशहूर , फिर भी गुमनाम

SAM Naqvi | 4th Apr 2024

A soft-spoken ex-bureaucrat with a heart of gold, SAM broke religious conventions by presenting an entertainment show during the holy month of Ramzan. He started off with an imaginary interaction between him and "Bhagwanji" which I attempt to textualize for readers here.

SAM - Bhagwanji , I will not be able to offer prayers tonight as I have to present a show. Please excuse me for this 
Bhagwanji - But why did you do this?
S - It wasn't me but Balaji who organized this and I had no choice. You know him, don't you?
B - Yes, I know him. But why did he not realize this. Anyways, you have sinned and will have to endure a punishment. However, I can offer you relief by moving 50% of the punishment to Balaji. 
S - I have one more request. When I carry out a good deed, please ensure Balaji gets 100% of the benefits of this!!!

Wah!! SAM, Kya baat kahi . I am so humbled to be at the receiving end of your good wishes. 

SAM chose to feature lyricist and poet Sudarshan Kamra, better known by his Takhallus Sudarshan Faakir as one who is famous (thanks to his songs being rendered by Begum Akhtar and Jagjit Singh) yet remains in the shadows when the topic of famous Ghazal writers come up. Among the rare tribe of Non-Muslim Shaayar's from Punjab, Faakir deserved to be brought to limelight and that's exactly what SAM attempted to do. 

The details of songs 

• SAM made a cracking start to the show with the Non film Ghazal "Ishq Mein Gairat- e- Jazbaat Ne" rendered by Begum Akhtar. Her rich sonorous timbre voice was the perfect start one would expect. The lyrics loosely translated to - In love, the fear of feelings being exposed did not allow me to cry. otherwise, what else could have been the reason for me not to cry.
• SAM presented another Begum Akhtar non film song "Hamri Atariya Pe Aao". A fairly famous version of Begum Sahiba, this one never fails to evoke nostalgic memories for most listeners.
  • Jagjit & Chitra Singh, needless to say, got featured the most in SAMs presentation. Jagit Singh which whom he shared a close relationship starting from Woh Kagaz Ki Kashti. The other Jagjit songs (Sung or composed) that featured in the show are mentioned below. Nothing that has not already been said, can be added for the combination of Jagjit Singh and Sudarshan Faakir. Each one a gem on its own and leaves you with fragrance of life. 

1. "Woh Kagaz Ki Kasti , Woh Baarish ka panni" in 1982. Sam closed the show with this memorable song ..one for the roads as Ghazal lovers would have quipped while listening to a show of Ghazals. 
2. Shayad Main Zindagi Ki Sahar 
3. Kisi Ranjish Ko Hawa Do 
4. Aadmi Aadmi Ko Kya Degaa 
5. Zindagi Tujhko Jiya Hai 

• Is Duniya Mein Aurat Kya Hai from the film Ek Chadar Maili Si is an ode to the mother who carries love in her heart and tears in the eyes. Hard-hitting lyrics by Faakir
  
• Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana from the film Dooriyan was by far the most popular song of the show with the Jaidev stamp over it. Faakir invitation to "Zindagi" to come over home is endearing as a metaphor on how one should treat Zindagi and make it a part of our routines each day.  
  
• Kaise Likhoge Mohabbat Ki Kitaab a non-film album of Pankaj Udhas was also part of the featured songs. The modern digitally sounding arrangement didn't sound jarring to the ears and basic melodic structure remained intact. 

आदमी आदमी को क्या देगा, जो भी देगा , ख़ुदा देगा  , says SAM of his life story.  The lines - इश्क़ का ज़हर पी लिया फ़ाकिर , अब मसीहा भी क्या दवा देगा is his love story, where he fell in love and got married to his love. ज़िन्दगी को करीब से देखो, इसका चेहरा तुम्हे रुला देगा is a reminder to the unfortunate end to this love story from which SAM says he still hasn't recovered and  ज़िन्दगी अभी भी रुला रही है उन्हें 

Our good wishes with you and we know the love of your life was listening to your presentation and gave you a warm hug, from wherever she is

A Touching narrative, great choice of songs weaved through the threads to human emotions. 

खूब दोहराया SAM भाई !!