PESHAWAR: Popular Pashto folk singer Karan Khan has launched his debut poetry volume. The poetry collection titled ‘Meena Au Manana’ is spread over 172 pages. Its first edition was sold out instantly and the second edition rolled out of the print owing to strong demand of the book lovers and fans of the folk artist.

“I have sung my own numbers but have always preferred other noted Pashto bards. I dedicate this first volume to Fakhr-i-Afghan Bacha Khan but gift it to Haroon Bacha, Dr Israr Atal and Salim Safi. The 26th death anniversary of Hamza Baba, who dedicated his entire life to Pashto, is commemorated on 18th February,” said Mr Khan.

The poetry collection carries poems, ghazals and a few new poetic compositions being presented to readers for the first time. “I am fully confident that my Pakhtun fans across the globe will like my poetry as it will prove a fresh wind of thoughts. It contains couplets touching upon our burning social and political issues including climate change, peace, education, unity, human rights and love for humanity. I have used simple diction and readers will feel like I am singing my poetry out to them with music,” said the singer.

He told this scribe that he had been born with strong flair for music and poetry but he first displayed music talent as his urge for singing found to be stronger than poetry and also he wanted to go through the classical and modern Pashto literature.

“I found Pashto literature very rich and sublime. Same is true for Pashto music whether folk, classic, or modern because a single tappa has encompassed almost every aspect of Pakhtuns’ social, cultural and political life,” he said.

The singer said that poetry and music had many things in common including rhythm, composition and balance. The best music without best poetry would never cast a soothing impact on the audience, he added.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2020