LAHORE: On the second day of 5th Faiz International Festival on Saturday a great number of Faiz lovers and people from all walks of life visited the venue -- the Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall.

The festival has been organised by the Faiz Foundation Trust (FFT), in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council.

In a session titled ‘Kab Yaad Mein Tera Sath Nahi’, on noted music composer Khayyam, an informative discussion was held. Moderated by Israr Chishti, the session had Dr Amjad Pervaiz and music composer and artiste Arshad Mehmood as panelists. A short documentary on Khayyam prepared by the FFT was also screened on the occasion.

Dr Pervaiz throwing light on the life and works of Khayyam and remembering the good old days said the musician’s elder brother Mushtaq Hashmi used to sing with him. In Lahore, Khayyam became pupil of Baba Chishti. Khayyam always composed original music and never copied any composition, he added.

He said Khayyam migrated to Mumbai from Lahore before 1947. On his death in India, the late composer was honoured with a 21-gun salute and condolence messages of the prime minister and president were broadcasted. He said Khayyam left behind Rs12 crore which, as per his will, were donated to a trust for the welfare of struggling singers.

Dr Pervaiz also mentioned prominent films for which Khayyam composed music and also mentioned his famous compositions such as -- Kabhi Kabhi Meray Dil Mein Khayal Ata hai, Aap Yun Fasiloon Say Guzraty Rahay, Ye Mulaqat Ik Bhana Hai and Parbatoon Kay Pairon Per Shaam Ka Basera hai.

Arshad Mehmood, exploring various aspects of Khayyam’s music, said the maestro had a signature style. He would always feel deeply motivated and moved by the poetry he composed, as he had a deep understating of the verse. One could find surprising notes in his compositions, he added. Among his fans were great poets like Sahir Ludhianvi, Majrooh and Kaifi Azmi.

Mehmood said another aspect which gave a different tone to Khayyam’s compositions was that these would reflect colours of Punjab. He was essentially a romantic soul, he added.

During the session, parts of an interview of Muzaffar Ali were also screened in which he lauded Khayyam for his extraordinary musical wisdom. In the end, Dr Perviaz sang Faiz’s poetry.

In another session -- Gulshhan-e-Yaad -- moderated by Asif Farrukhi, the panelists, Masood Ashar, Asghar Nadeem Syed and Dr Arifa Syeda threw light on the works of three literary figures -- Altaf Fatima, Khalida Hussain and Fehmida Riaz.

Asghar Nadeem Syed, throwing light on the literary journey of Fehmida Riaz said though originally she was a poet, but she also wrote prose later. Khalida Hussian’s short stories made a mark on the local literary scene, similarly Fehmida’s collection, Pathar Ki Zuban’, also got the attention of critics. He said Fehmida’s topics kept changing; initially she wrote on women’s issues, then on politics and history then on the historic characters and folk heritage of Sindh. Khalida Hussian’s short stories such as Hazaar Pa , Makari and Sawari had their own high place in literature, he said.

Masood Ashar said Fehmida wrote excessively and her writings, when it came to topics, could be bracketed. Khalida wrote thought provoking short stories, while Altaf Fatima had her own style.

Arifa Syeda Zahra said Altaf Fatima’s writings carried a kind of seriousness. Her works such as Dastak Na Do, Nishaan-e-Mehfil were of great value, besides her other writings. Altaf Fatima didn’t use difficult language, she added.

She said Khalida Hussian’s writings had many layers and Fehmida Riaz was a rebel when it came to her poetry.

Other attractions of the festival on Saturday were an evening of poetry and piano with Adeel Hashmi and a Kathak performance by Farah Yasmeen Sheikh.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2019