Urdu Rock

So, I am currently in the midst of writing my final paper of the year - for my South Asian Languages course - on the concept and character of the lover in Mirza Asadullah Khan 'Ghalib''s Urdu ghazals. Sound like a concentrated topic? Well, actually, it's probably one of the broadest topics I could have picked, and thus, is one helluva hard paper to write.

For the past hour or so, I've been typing out all the ashaar (verses) I've found in a copy of Ghalib's abridged divaan (a divaan is essentially the "Complete Works of Ghalib" organized alphabetically by rhyme scheme). As a music-nut, I always listen to music, and so, I decided to turn-on my Windows Media Player and play some...

Now, this may come as a surprise to those of you that know me, but I am an Evanescence fan. I love Amy Lee's music and the power that arises from the combination of her beautiful voice and those absolutely amazing electric guitars.

At first, I thought that Ghalib and Evanescence were an odd combination, and a part of me still does. But, at the same time, I have come to realize that they are quite similar. Ghalib, and the ghazal genre for that matter, is quite obsessed by the concept of unrequited love and much of Ghalib is a cry from the 'aashiq (lover) to his ma'shuq (beloved). And, similarly, much of Evanescence's music deals with the same topic. Listen to Lithium or Snow White Queen or even My Immortal and you'll find a modern version of Ghalib's 'aashiq.

If I could play electric guitar (hmm...what would electric violin sound like?) I would take this following verse from my favourite Ghalib ghazal and revolutionize South Asian rock.

Mohabbat mein nahin hai farq jeene aur marne ka

Usi ko dekh kar jeete hain jis kaafir peh dam nikle.

There is no difference between living and dying in love

We live by gazing at the unbeliever for whose love we are dying.

Hmm...Urdu ghazals don't translate well. Oh well, back to my paper and my music.

That's it for now...ciao, adios, au revoir...and remember...to be born again first you must die...

~me