“ONE’S choices and preferences, in life regarding several things, have much in common to a train journey through a breathtaking scenic countryside; each passing moment showcases a different view to those sitting inside it. The shifting scenes, each surpassing the former one in beauty, overlaps in ones mind and just like ones choices. One may find a certain thing enchanting, but after a passage of time the very thing might be replaced by something more fascinating and spectacular.”
This is how the well known literary writer, Jamil Jalbi sums up his thoughtful observation about an individual’s changing moods and taste. The veteran author believes an individual’s choices are strongly influenced by time, age and the circumstances. Perhaps, that is why, it becomes a bit difficult for him to single out his favourites; the best of the best in music, cinema and books. The other reason for his bare indulgence in things other than literature is his extensive involvement in literary works which takes up a lion’s share of his time. It is not just writing that keeps him occupied. He prefers to let himself sink in the deep sea of stormy thoughts whenever he gets a break from his routine activities.
“My spare time, which I hardly get, is spent in thinking, which is a good mental activity,” he says.
However, after a deliberation about how over the years a multitude of things have left a deep mark on his mind, he succeeds in naming out those who have stood the test of time. It does not come easy, but surely, the veteran does maintain a list of his favourites in spite of his shifting choices.
Writing has been his passion and profession for a very long time. The occupation certainly provided him ample opportunities to remain in close contact with writers and their works. He himself cannot give any off-hand figure of books he had so far devoured, but one book that enjoys a special ranking with him is Samuel Smiles’ Self Help. “I read that book during my student life sometime in 1945. I have still not forgotten the pleasure I found after I read it. It showed me how I could find the will and courage from within to do something in life.” He is full of praises for the book which made him believe he could be a writer, a profession he always wanted to take up.
Harbouring a deep interest for books on literature, culture and history, Jamil, the illustrious author of several books on Urdu literature, is busy writing the third volume of Tareekh-e-Adab these days. An added advantage of his long association with books is that, he has carved himself out as an avaricious book collector. It is impressing to know for the last fifty years he has been maintaining his own library at home, which, he claims has about 30,000 books. “It has always been my craze to get any book I read in my collection,” Jamil gives the reason for his sprawling collection, he likes to take care of himself. “I know exactly which book is kept where,” the writer feels this is an activity he likes to indulge in whenever he has some time on hand.
Coming to his favourites writers, Jamil speaks of his favourites in English Language and one can say his list is long and comprises names which stand out from the rest of their contemporaries. T.S. Eliot, Jean Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Henry James. While in Urdu language, he finds works of Hasan Askari, Qurat ul Ain Haider and Intizar Hussain simply remarkable and incomparable. He does not mince words when it comes to spell out names of his favourite Urdu poets. He, very clearly and in a matter of fact manner says no poet in Urdu language has been able to surpass the giants of Urdu poetry namely Ghalib, Iqbal and Mir-his all time favourites.
Jamil Jalbi’s choice in music can be termed well defined and at the same time quite difficult. He sounds fastidious when he lists out his favourites.
“I like classical music, for instance thumri, daadra and ghazal, especially.” Those who, in their right, excelled in ghazal singing and enjoy a firm position in his list of favourites are; Mehdi Hasan, Iqbal Bano and none other than Noor Jehan. He presents his rationale for his insipid interest in the other modern genres of music, particularly pop and rock and says,
“There is no peace in this form of music or singing. I do appreciate that some of the singers associated with bands, popular with the young generation, have good voice. But when it comes to rating their overall product, it fails to impart a lasting soothing effect on listeners’ mind.”
For a person like Jamil, whose life revolves around literature and books, it does not come as a surprise when he says he has not been to a cinema for ages. When he speaks of his favourite films, he watched years ago, he makes this point clear that films must be made to provide the audience reasons for mental relaxation, entertainment and pleasure. “Violence, and tension filled films, only add to the mental stress definitely can’t be the ones, which can fulfil the purpose of entertainment.” Perhaps for this reason, his favourite films even today remain the ever famous Umrao Jan Ada and Ghalib for their good story and music. “Films must provide food for thought, some insight into human emotions and sentiments,” he believes.
The same condition applies for the English films. Titanic, he says succeeded to influence him, for it had the ingredients that brought it closer to his taste. It is the last English film he has watched, that too by sheer coincidence as he happened to be in the US at the time of its release.
“ONE’S choices and preferences, in life regarding several things, have much in common to a train journey through a breathtaking scenic countryside; each passing moment showcases a different view to those sitting inside it. The shifting scenes, each surpassing the former one in beauty, overlaps in ones mind and just like ones choices. One may find a certain thing enchanting, but after a passage of time the very thing might be replaced by something more fascinating and spectacular.”
