It is the love of music that has engaged the famous musicologist, S.M. Shahid, in an effort to preserve and chronicle the music of the subcontinent. At the same time he pursues interests in diversified fields, ranging from classical music to writing, designing and compiling books on various subjects and photography. But it wasn’t before 1972 that Shahid was inspired by and drawn into the realm of classical music. His teacher was Ustad Wilayat Ali Khan.
“It was a period of great activity, so many singers and composers would come to my house and sing and compose their own tunes,” recalls Shahid. Though he stopped singing in 1992, he didn’t lose heart. He turned his attention to writing, publishing and compiling books on various topics some of which include, Immortal film songs — inspired by raags (2004), Melody Queen — Tribute to Pakistan’s superstar (2002) and Classical music of the subcontinent (1999).
An optimist at heart, Shahid is nevertheless deeply disenchanted with the hypocritical attitude of the society, towards fine and performing arts, that discourage all forms of creative pursuits. “Artists are blamed for spreading obscenity and nudity, and singers and actors are called bahand and merasis,” he says.
Coming to his likes, Shahid gleefully talks of Jim Corbett as his favourite English author. “His book Man-eaters of Kumoon fascinates me a lot because I can feel and visualize the thrill and adventure of hunting tigers.” Shahid too once used to enjoy hunting.
The other writer whom he regards in very high esteem is Waldemar Hansen, whose book The peacock throne is his other favourite. The book chronicles the war of succession among the sons of Emperor Shahjahan.
It is said that music and poetry go hand in hand. It is, therefore, little wonder that the musicologist has great liking for Urdu poetry. Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Shakib Jalali and Munir Niazi are his favourite poets.
When asked about humour writers in Urdu, Shahid mentions many of favourites. But Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi he says tops the list. Others are Shafiqur Rehman, Col. Mohd Khan, Justice A.R. Kiyani, Patras Bukhari and Mirza Farhatullah Baig.
Shahid says he is an ardent fan of Urdu short stories. He confesses that he lacks the taste for lengthy novels. Sadat Hasan Minto, Khrsshon Chander, Ghulam Abbass, Ram Lal etc. are his favourites. But that’s good with books, what about watching TV?
Though Shahid says he has no taste for the idiot box, he does categorize PTV’s Alif Noon as an all time favourite. “Kamal Ahmed Rizvi was a superb writer, actor and director of satire and humour,” is what Shahid opines. Other TV personalities who he rates very high are Moin Akhtar and the heartthrob of the seventies, Roohi Bano.
When asked about Pakistani movies, Shahid says, “Frankly I do not think much for Pakistani films and its stars, for I think their acting is either very loud or melodramatic.” However, Shahid does watch good Indian movies. His favourites include Garam Hawa and Paar. Gulzar is his close friend and he has watched all the movies directed by him and rates them very high. In Indian film industry, he rates Naseeruddin Shah, Shahbana Azmi, the late Sanjeev Kumar and Mahdu Bala highly.
Coming to ghazals, he says that Pakistan is very fortunate to have some of the finest singers of the genre. His preferred singers are Mehdi Hasan, Begum Akhtar Faizabadi, K.L. Saigal and Talat Mahmood. Talking about Mehdi Hasan, he fondly says, “ He is the true master of ghazal singing.” No wonder Shahid is compiling a book, Ghazal king — Tribute to Pakistan’s superstar — Mehdi Hasan. Another composer and singer is Kamal Dasgupta, who lived in Calcutta in early 1940s. Shahid regards him as a very talented composer. Speaking of today’s popular music, Shahid says that those pop singers who have had their training and background in classical singing, are more successful than others. In this context he thinks high of Sajad Ali and Shafqat Amanat Ali.
While discussing the folk music of the country, Shahid says, “Folk music is like a weed which flourishes in the natural habitat. It doesn’t even need state support because its roots are in the masses.” Here he regards Tufail Niazi as the greatest folk singer of all time.
Shahid observes that classical music, dance, painting and sculpture have been neglected by successive governments as part of their Islamization campaign. “I personally know many singers and musicians who have died of poverty, neglect and indifference,” says Shahid. Things have not improved even after the return of democracy. Rulers have paid lip service to the cause of culture but have done nothing practical.
The musicologist recognizes Ustad Amir Khan and Ustad Rashid Khan as the best male vocalist and Veena Saharsbudhe and Dr Prabha Atre as the best female classical singers.
Talking about life in general, he says rather philosophically, “I think we are condemned in this world because there are injustices, exploitation and cruelty around us. Life is very harsh for the majority of the people and it is really the war of survival.” Under these circumstances, he says, “Sensitive souls are bound to suffer.” He does not sound all together pessimistic, “We can make world a better place to live by sharing good things in life, like music, poetry, literature, books, paintings etc.,” says Shahid, adding, “Believe me it would give more satisfaction and sense of fulfilment than acquiring and possessing material goods.”
It is the love of music that has engaged the famous musicologist, S.M. Shahid, in an effort to preserve and chronicle the music of the subcontinent. At the same time he pursues interests in diversified fields, ranging from classical music to writing, designing and compiling books on various subjects and photography. But it wasn’t before 1972 that Shahid was inspired by and drawn into the realm of classical music. His teacher was Ustad Wilayat Ali Khan.
