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Zia Mohyeddin and Anwar Maqsood: a legendary reunion

By Sadiq Saleem
Tue, 02, 16

Soirees dedicated to the promotion of classical Urdu, a language known for its sophistication in both prose and poetry, were once common in Subcontinent, but over the years their prominence and relevance seem to have faded away in the midst mainstream, pop culture. Hence, when two stalwarts of Urdu literature, Zia Mohyeddin and Anwar Maqsood,

Zia Mohyeddin recited some of Urdu literature’s classic work including those of Patras Bukhari and Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi,whereas it was Anwar Maqsood's satirical notes that sent audiences into fits of laughter.

 Instepreport

The two veteran artists reunited, after almost four decades, for an evening dedicated to the promotion of Urdu literature.

Dubai

Soirees dedicated to the promotion of classical Urdu, a language known for its sophistication in both prose and poetry, were once common in Subcontinent, but over the years their prominence and relevance seem to have faded away in the midst mainstream, pop culture. Hence, when two stalwarts of Urdu literature, Zia Mohyeddin and Anwar Maqsood, visited Dubai to perform at an event – Ek Shaam Urdu Adab Ke Naam – Urdu enthusiasts from Pakistani and other Asian expatriate communities attended in large numbers.

Anwar Maqsood acknowledged that it was almost after 40 years that he and Zia sahab had come together for a show. They were last seen together in the ’70s when they collaborated for a show called Zia Ke Sath, aired on PTV. The guests showed a profound appreciation for both the personalities, as well as their performances, but were more enthralled by the poised delivery of Urdu poetry because such events are very rare in Dubai, despite there being a huge audience for it.

Zia Mohyeddin, who has travelled the world – publicly reciting poetry – and is considered an expert of Urdu literature, read out loud a number of classics from Urdu literature including the works of Patras Bukhari and Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi, whereas Anwar Maqsood’s act was based on political satire. From refreshing anecdotes from Urdu history to a hypothetical arrival of Mir Taqi Mir in Karachi, Maqsood sent audiences into fits of laughter. Apart from giving a brilliant performance, Maqsood also announced that his theatrical play Siachen, which is currently being performed at the Arts Council Karachi, will also be staged in Dubai, coming March. He ended his act with the song ‘Sada Chiriyaan Da Chamba’ from Coke Studio’s latest season.

The event was preceded by a press conference, a day before, where the two literary figures emphasized on the need to keep classical Urdu alive as part of the rich culture of the Subcontinent, in order to intellectual thought, and promote refined manners, which are integrated into the very foundation of Urdu literature. Mohyeddin added that if parents educate children at home about the value of Urdu language, it will lead to a resurgence and revival of not only the language and associated literature, but also the culture that is associated with it.

The press meet was followed by the launch of Mohyeddin’s new book The God of My Idolatry, which will release in Pakistan at a later date. The book is an account of his personal experiences.

The organizers of the event said that the significance of such events is that they help in reviving the beauty of the Urdu language. “The mushairas (poetry sessions) and theatre plays that once used to take place in the late ’80s and early ’90s were known to be very cultured. Those kind of sophisticated performances haven’t made it to the stage off late. With this event, we intend to rekindle the enthusiasm and interest among audiences – especially youth,” said a representative. They further added that there couldn’t be a better way to do so but to have the biggest names in the field of Urdu literature fly down to Dubai and connect with the audience themselves.

–        Sadiq Saleem, is a UAE based entertainment journalist. He can be contacted on his page fb/sidsaidso.

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Zia Mohyeddin recited some of Urdu literature’s classic work including those of Patras Bukhari and Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi, whereas it was Anwar Maqsood's satirical notes that sent audiences into fits of laughter.