Entertaining a humorist

The lighter side of literary writings dominated the last week of August. First there was a reception to honour Mustafa Taj, a humorist from Bhopal (India). Then some hearty laughter was heard at an evening of lighter literary work at the Karachi Gymkhana on Saturday.

The Mohibban-i-Bhopal Forum was the host of the first function. The function started much later than the scheduled time and concluded late in the evening at around 11pm, with Anis Zaidi conducting the proceedings. The ambitious organizers had also invited some other writers, who were the first to present their humorous prose and poetry pieces.

Both Azher Hasan Siddiqui and Dr Moin Qureshi read out light essays and were well received by the audience. Later came Mohammad Ahmad Sabzwari, a columnist and economic thinker, who originally belonged to Bhopal and was inclined to do justice to his place of birth.

The contribution made by this former Muslim state to literature, culture, politics and sports was tremendous and Mr Sabzwari had no desire to leave any of it untold. Till that time the audience had heard nothing from the chief guest, Mustafa Taj, nor were fully introduced to the writer. This was done later by Syed Mohammad Gilani, who introduced himself as the elder brother of Mustafa Taj.

Mr Taj presented a piece about life in Bhopal, the simple and carefree manner of the people, and their interest in poetry, 'shikar' and sports, particularly hockey.

Naqqash Kazmi, who replaced the earlier compere, tried to enliven the proceedings with witty remarks and jokes. But, the really informative and scholarly speech came from Dr Farman Fatehpuri who sought to define humour and how it differs from satire. "Why 'tanz-o-mazah' are used in combination when they were two different things?" he questioned. Like 'mian beewi' (man and wife), someone quipped.

Dr Fathepuri defined the term by recalling some humorous anecdotes as he thought that was how he could more aptly explain his point. Earlier, the poets who recited their humorous verses produced generally damp squibs - except for Amirul Islam Hashmi.

His command over language and his effortless versification were remarkable. A young poet recited some of his couplets, written more than two decades back and which he happily repeats on such occasions.

Shugufta Farhat, founder and chairperson of the Forum, received the guests and later thanked them.

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Sham-i-Khush Ahang at the Gymkhana was better organized as Col Ashfaq Hussain stole the show by reading out selected pieces from his publication, Gentleman series, following the tradition of Shafiqur Rahman and Col Mohammad Khan.

Ashfaq's writings carry a different flavour, and it's hardly a surprise if there have been 60 editions of his eight publications. Azhar Hasan Siddiqui, a former president of the Gymkhana, despite his oriental manners - dressed in kurta paijama, speaking Urdu and with no taste for drinks - described how he found his way into an Englishman's club, and brought about a dynamic change in its culture. His narration was interesting.

S.M. Moin Qureshi was witty as ever pouring out his humour on over-conscious persons, particularly the hypochondriacs amongst us. His advice was: 'Don't buy tension'.

Saeed Agha, who was compering the proceedings, invited writer Ziaul Haq Qasmi to recite some of his poetry. Mr Qasmi never fails to create humour. Where his poetry fails, he narrates an interesting anecdote to enliven an event. Ather Shah Khan "Jedi", popular writer and actor, also known as a poet, serious and humorous both, was also invited to recite some of his verses.

One thing common is their social and political consciousness. Creating humour at the expense of womenfolk - wives and mothers- in-law - as practised by some poets even today, was always considered in bad taste.

At this function, however, it was the US president (at war in Iraq) and politicians (including some clerics for their opportunism and the president in uniform) were targeted. The proceedings concluded with a recital by Prof Enayat Ali Khan who is very popular at mushairas in and outside the country.