Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — It was an evening filled with laughter, a literal riot, in Jeddah during a mushaira (poetry session) organized by Urdu Gulban.com to honor legendary humor poet Popular Meeruthi.

As the added tag to his name, Popular, the poet is very popular among Urdu lovers all over the world for his humor, punch lines, social and political satire and his insight of life — including the dark side — revealed through light humor.

Urdu Gulban.com is a literary society dedicated to the growth and development of Urdu literature. In its pursuit to further the language it organizes several literary events, including mushairas.

Popular Meeruthi hails from the city of Meerut in the western Uttar Pradesh and has brought smiles on the faces all over the globe with his effort to portray the world’s foibles in a symmetrical language with asymmetrical lines that infuses humor with beauty.

His real name is Dr. Syed Ejazuddin Shah and has been called Popular Meeruthi for his popularity in reaching the hearts of the people with his humorous works that though in light vein, did always were insightful and had a sharp bite.

Nasir Barni, a leading Indian poet from Jeddah who is currently living at Yanbu, was the master of ceremony. Siadat Ali Khan, president Telangana Welfare Forum, was the guest of honor, and Zia Nadawi, director, Delhi Public School Jeddah, was the chief guest.

Local poets, who shared the session with Popular Meeruthi, included Afsar Barabankwi, Faisal Tufail, Farhatullah Khan Farhat, Kamran Khan, Mohammed Iqbal Belan, Mahtab Qadr, Sajjad Bukhari, Nasir Barni, Athar Abbasi (president of Aalami Urdu Markaz, Jeddah), Shehzar Ahmed, Tanveer Ahmed and Zamrood Khan.

Though other poets too left their mark with their incisive recitals, it was Popular Meeruthi who as expected who stole the session. Popular Meeruthi warmed up with his couplets:

Is Martaba Bhi Aaye Hain Number Tere To Kam

Ruswaiyon Ka Meri Daftar Banega Tu

Bete Ke Sar Pe Deke Chapat Baap Ne Kaha

Phir Fail Ho Gaya Hai Minister Banega Tu

The above couplet is direct hit on the unruly Indian political system where uneducated people make inroads in political arena and wield clout.

In another couplet he is a jilted lover who was let down by his beloved, but he makes light of the situation by saying that he knew the likely end to the story, because he had already reported twice to the police station — once when you came and once when you left...

Kar Gai Ghar Mera Khaali, Mere So Jaane Ke Baad

Mujhko Dhadka Tha Ki Kuch Hoga Tere Aane Ke Baad,

Maine Dono Baar Thaane Mein Likhaayi Thi Rapat,

Ek Tere Aane Se Pehle, Ek Tere Jaane Ke Baad ...!!

In yet another political satire he expressed his absolute disdain for most of the leaders whom he considers are national shame:

Kisi Jalse Mein Ek Leader Ne Ye Elaan Farmāyā,

Hamare Mantri Aane Ko Hain Bedaar Hojao,

Yakayak Loudspeaker Se goonja Film Ka Naghma,

Watan Ki Aabru Khatre Mein hai Hoshiyar hojao,

In another couplet he expressed his disdain for politicians per se:

Be Ruḳhi Ko Bhi Nawazish Ki Adaa Kehna Padha,

Maslehat Thi Zahr Peekar Bhī Dawa Kehna Padha,

Bewaqufi Ke Anokhe Kaarnaame Dekh Kar,

Ache Khaase Leaderoun Ko Bhi Gadha Kehna Padha.

Shifting to his love punch lines, in the couplet below Popular Meeruthi is trying to lure in his beloved with an offer of free services:

Tum Kunwari Reh Kar Shohar Dhundti Reh Jaogi,

Dekh Lena Zindigi Bhar Dhoondti Reh Jaogi,

Jald Se Jald Apne Ghar mein Naukrī Dedo Mujhe,

Warna Be - Qīmat Ka Naukar Dhundti Reh Jaogi.

On family relationship, particularly the role of the mother-in-law in married life, he says:

Ghusse Mein Aake Maine Kaha Apni Saas Se,

Kuch Der Meri Biwi Ka Pichha Chordhe,

Beti Ke Sath Maan Mujhe Taslīm Hai Magar,

Lekin Kabhi Kabhi Ise Tanha Bhi Chodh de.

On the miseries of married life Popular Meeruthi writes:

Waqt E Nikah Hum Bhi The Dulha Bane Hoye,

Bulwaya Auratoun Ne Salaami Ke Waaste,

Hum Rukhsati Ke Waqt Yahi Keh Ke Chal Padhe,

Laayi Hayaat AAye, Qazaa Le Chali Chale.

Upon repeated requests he recited his famous nazm which once again broke the auditorium in thunderous applause.

Chauthi Shaadi Karke Mulla Jee Bahut Shadan Hoye,

Apnī Qismat ki Bulandi Dekhkar Nazaan Hoye,

Youn Jawanoun Ki Tarah Laaye Dulhan Ko Saath Mein,

Aagayi Ho Jaise Sultana Kahin Ki Haath Mein,

Pehle Hi Din Saare Ghar Ka Jayeza Usne Liya,

Apne Shohar Ki Nazar Ka Jayeza Usne Liya,

Chaar Keele Khaas Kamre Mein Nazar Aain Use,

Teen Kiloun Per Dupatte Bhi Nazar Aaye Tangaye,

Mulla Jee Se usne Poucha ye Dupatte Kiske Hai,

Ye Hai Kis Kis Ki Nishani Ye Atiye Kiske Hain,

Mulla jee Ne Youn Diya Un Sawaloun ka Jawab,

Ae Meri Pyaari Dulhan Aye Aftab O Mehtab,

Begum E Sabiqa Jo Is Jahan Se Uth Gayeen,

Ye Dupatte Hai Inhi Ki Yaadgaar E Dil Nashin,

Jab Tum Is Duniya Se Uth Jaogo Ae Jaan E Jahan,

Tab Tumhara Bhi Dupatta Taang Dounga Mai Yahan,

Boli Begum Maut Ke Panje Mein Ab Shohar Aayega,

Ab Dupatte Ka Nahin Topi Ka Number Aayega.

Earlier Mahtab Qadr, president of Urdu Gulban, welcomed the guests and introduced the guest and local poets. A small plaque of appreciation was presented by Zia Nadwi and Siadat Ali Khan to Popular Meeruthi. The event started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Sadiq Hussain followed by naat by Khalid Hussain.