Modern Pakistani Urdu Poet Amjad Islam Amjad Biography And Poetry

Introduction

Amjad Islam Amjad, a prominent name in Urdu literature, is celebrated for his profound poetry, compelling prose, and impactful contributions to Pakistani culture. Born on August 4, 1944, in Sialkot, Pakistan, he has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His exceptional ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet evocative words has earned him a special place in the hearts of poetry enthusiasts.

Early Life and Education

Amjad Islam Amjad was raised in a family that appreciated and valued education and literature. His father, Syed Rafiq Hussain, was a renowned educationist and an influential figure in his life. Amjad's early exposure to literature played a pivotal role in shaping his poetic sensibilities. He pursued his education with dedication and earned a Master's degree in Urdu literature from Government College, Lahore.

Emergence as a Poet

Amjad Islam Amjad's journey into the world of poetry began during his college years. His initial compositions were marked by a sense of experimentation and exploration. As he delved deeper into the realm of literature, his poetic style evolved, displaying a remarkable blend of classical and contemporary influences. His early works were characterized by a melancholic and introspective tone, reflecting his personal experiences and observations.

Literary Career

Amjad Islam Amjad's literary career gained momentum when he started contributing to prestigious Urdu literary magazines and newspapers. His thought-provoking columns and essays earned him recognition as a versatile writer. However, it was his poetry that truly captivated the masses. His collection of poetry titled "Aankhain Bheeg Jati Hain" (Tears Fill the Eyes) garnered widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. The collection explored themes of love, loss, and longing, resonating with readers from all walks of life.

Versatility and Adaptability

What sets Amjad Islam Amjad apart is his ability to adapt his writing to various forms and genres. Apart from poetry, he excelled in writing Nazms (longer narrative poems), Ghazals (lyrical poems), and Rubaiyat (quatrains). His Ghazals, in particular, exhibit a unique blend of romanticism and realism, making them relatable to a wide audience. His Rubaiyat showcase his mastery over brevity, as he conveys profound ideas within the constraints of a four-line poem.

Cinematic Contributions

Amjad Islam Amjad's talents extended beyond the realm of literature. He made significant contributions to Pakistani cinema by penning captivating dialogues and scripts for numerous films. His ability to infuse dialogue with emotional depth and cultural nuances enhanced the impact of these films. Notable movies featuring his work include "Bazigar" and "Dilwale."

Recognition and Awards

Throughout his career, Amjad Islam Amjad's literary prowess has been acknowledged with numerous awards and honors. He received the Presidential Pride of Performance Award, one of Pakistan's highest civilian honors, for his outstanding contributions to literature. His work has resonated with readers not only in Pakistan but also among Urdu-speaking communities worldwide.

Social and Cultural Impact

Amjad Islam Amjad's poetry often delves into social and cultural issues, making him a voice of conscience for many. His poems address themes such as human emotions, societal injustices, and the changing dynamics of relationships. Through his verses, he has explored the intricacies of love, nostalgia, and the human experience, giving words to sentiments that often go unexpressed.

Legacy and Influence

Amjad Islam Amjad's legacy is intertwined with the hearts of generations of poetry enthusiasts. His work continues to inspire young writers and poets, encouraging them to explore the depths of human emotions and the power of words. His contributions to literature have made him a living legend, with his poems being recited and cherished across various platforms.

Conclusion

Amjad Islam Amjad's journey through the landscape of Urdu literature has been a remarkable one, marked by his ability to capture the essence of life's myriad emotions. From his humble beginnings in Sialkot to becoming a celebrated poet, writer, and cultural icon, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Through his poetry and prose, he has connected with the hearts of millions, making him a beacon of light in the world of Urdu literature. As his verses continue to resonate with people, Amjad Islam Amjad's legacy remains immortal, a testament to the power of words to transcend time and touch the human soul.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1

aankhon ka rng ، bat ka lhjh bdl gea

oh shkhs ، aek sham men ktna bdl gea

kchh dn to mera aks rha ، aae'enay ph nqsh

phr yon hoa ، kh khod mera chhra bdl gea

 

jb apnay apnay hal ph ، hm tm nh rh skay

to kea hoa ، jo hm say zmanh bdl gea ??

qdmon tlay jo ret bchhe the ، oh chl prre

as nay chhrraea hath to ، shra bdl gea

koe'e bhe chez ، apne jgh pr nhen rhe

jatay he aek shkhs kay ، kea kea bdl gea

ak sr khoshe ke moj nay ، kesa kea kmal

oh bay neaz ، saray ka sara bdl gea

ath kr chla gea ، koe'e oqfay kay drmean

prdh atha ، to sara tmasha bdl gea

hert say saray lfz asay dekhtay rhay

baton men apne bat ko kesa bdl gea

khnay ko aek shn men ، deoar he bne

ghr ke fza ، mkan ko nqshh bdl gea

shaed ofa kay khel say ، akta gea tha oh

mnzl kay pas aa kay ، jo rsth bdl gea

qae'm kse bhe hal ph ، dnea nhen rhe

taberkho ge'e ، kbhe spna bdl gea

mnzr ka rng asl men saea tha rng ka

js nay asay jdhr say bhe dekha bdl gea

andr kay mosmon ke khbr as ko ho ge'e

as no bhar naz ka chhra bdl gea

aankhon men jtnay ashk thay،jgno say bn ge'ay

oh mskraea ، aor mere dnea bdl gea

apne gle men apna he ghr dho ndtay hen log

amjd yh kon shhr ka nqshh bdl gea ??

Amjad Islam Amjad 

Ghazal No 2

kse trng ، kse sr khoshe men rhta tha

eh kl ke bat hay، dl zndge men rhta tha

kh jesay chand kay chhray ph aaftab ke lo

kُhla kh men bhe kse roshne men rhta tha

klam krta tha qos qzh kay rngon men

oh ak kheal tha aor shaare men rhta tha

bs aek sham brre khamoshe say tot gea

hmen jo man ، tere doste men rhta tha

Amjad Islam Amjad 

Ghazal No 3

khen bay knar say rtjgay khen zr ngar say khoab day!

tra kea asol hay zndge? mjhay kon as ka joab day!

jo bchha skon tray oastay  jo sja sken tray rastay

mre dstrs men staray rkh‘ mre mtheon ko glab day

eh jo khoahshon ka prnd hay‘ asay mosmon say ghrz nhen

eh array ga apne he moj men‘ asay aab day kh srab day!

tjhay ُchho lea to bhrrk aُthay mray jsm o jan men chragh say

ase aag men mjhay rakh kr‘ ase shalge ko shbab day

kbhe yon bhe ho tray robro‘ men nzr mِla kay yh khh skon

”mre hsrton ko shmar kr‘ mre khoahshon ka hsab day!“

tre ak ngah kay fez say mre ksht hrf chmk athay

mra lfz lfz ho khkshan mjhay aek aese ktab day

Amjad Islam Amjad 

Ghazal No 4

khnay ko mera as say koe'e oasth nhen

amjd mgr oh shkhs mjhay bُholta nhen

drta hon aankh kholon to mnzr bdl nh jae'ay

men jag to rha hon mgr jagta nhen

aashftge say as ke asay bay ofa nh jan

aadt ke bat aor hay dl ka bra nhen

sahb nzr say krta hay pthr bhe gftgo

najns kay hzor zban kholta nhen

tnha adas chand ko smjho nh baykhbr

hr bat sn rha hay mgr bolta nhen

khamosh rtjgon ka dhoan tha chhar sُo

nkla kb aaftab mjhay to pta nhen

amjd oh aankhen jhel se ghre to hen mgr

an men koe'e bhe aks mray nam ka nhen  

Amjad Islam Amjad 

Ghazal No 5

hsab amr ka atna sa goshoara hay

 tmhen nkal kay dekha to sb khsara hay

 kse chragh men hm hen kse knol men tm

 khen jmal hmara khen tmhara hay

oh kea osal ka lmhh tha js kay nshay men

 tmam amr ke frqt hmen goara hay

 hr ak sda jo hmen bazgsht lgte hay

 njanay hm hen dobarh kh yh dobarh hay

 oh mnkshf mre aankhon men ho kh jloay men

 hr aek hsn kse hsn ka asharh hay

 ajb asol hen as karobar dnea kay

 kse ka qrz kse aor nay atara hay

 khen ph hay koe'e khoshbo kh js kay honay ka

 tmam aalm mojod astaara hay

 njanay kb tha! khan tha mgr yh lgta hay

 yh oqt phlay bhe hm nay kbhe gzara hay

 yh do knaray to drea kay ho ge'ay ، hm tm!

mgr oh kon hay jo tesra knara hay 

Amjad Islam Amjad