If you are a ghazal fan, you would have surely heard:
“chupke chupke raat din aañsū bahānā yaad hai,
ham ko ab tak āshiqī kā vo zamānā yaad hai”
Sung by almost all Ghazal singers. This is one ghazal that never lost its charm and looks new, giving out new meaning each time to hear this. Very few would know that this was by Hasrat Mohani (Syed Fazlul Hasan)
Syed Fazlul Hasan (1878-1951), who adopted the pen name Hasrat. was born in Mohan, which is in the Unnao district, very close to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
His early education at home focused on Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, providing him with a strong linguistic foundation before he moved to Aligarh. There, he pursued higher education and successfully earned his B.A. degree. Interestingly, despite his academic achievements, he chose not to continue his studies in law, suggesting an early inclination towards other pursuits.
It’s evident that Hasrat was profoundly aware of the socio-political climate of his time. From his graduation in 1903 until his passing in Lucknow in 1951, his life was marked by tireless engagement in a remarkable variety of roles. He was not only a social activist and politician but also a dedicated freedom fighter, a perceptive journalist and critic, a talented poet known for blending classical and modern styles, a liberal yet devout Muslim, and a God-fearing communist. His multifaceted efforts had a significant impact. He founded the influential journal Urdu-i-Mualla, held important positions within the Indian National Congress Party, and actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement, demonstrating his commitment to national progress. Notably, he initiated the very first resolution advocating for complete independence for India. Furthermore, his leadership was recognized across diverse platforms as he chaired sessions at the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, the Jamiat-ul Ulama-i-Hind, and the Communist Party of India, an organization he also played a role in establishing. His powerful and enduring slogan, Inquilab Zindabad (Long Live Revolution), clearly echoed his unwavering commitment to India’s complete independence from British rule. Despite facing multiple imprisonments due to his rebellious stance against the British authorities, he remained resilient and steadfast in his principles. Following India’s hard-won independence, his contributions continued as he served as a member of the Constituent Assembly, the body responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution. However, it’s noteworthy that he ultimately did not sign the final document due to certain reservations he held. Throughout his remarkable life, Hasrat remained committed to humility and simplicity, choosing to live like a dervish, devoid of any trace of ostentation. He eventually passed away and was laid to rest in Lucknow, leaving behind a legacy of profound impact.
Hasrat’s engagement with the written word began early in his life, and he is primarily remembered and celebrated as a distinguished poet of ghazal. His poetic skill lay in his ability to seamlessly blend both classical and modern compositional styles, creating a unique and resonant voice. He played a crucial role in preserving the ghazal form, particularly during a period when it faced marginalization, and he is credited with infusing it with new vitality and relevance. While his poetry explored the traditional and timeless themes of love and romance that are often central to ghazals, it also bravely addressed the pressing contemporary socio-political realities of his time, reflecting his deep engagement with the world around him. His collected poetic works have been compiled in a comprehensive volume titled Kulliyaat-e Hasrat, offering a rich tapestry of his literary contributions. Beyond his own poetry, he also demonstrated his scholarly inclinations by authoring an annotated edition of the revered poet Ghalib’s poetry, a work known as Sharh-e-Kalaam-e Ghalib, providing valuable insights into a literary master. Furthermore, he penned a poignant diary documenting his experiences during his time in prison, offering a firsthand account of his struggles and reflections, titled Mushahidat-e-Zindaan. Demonstrating his discerning literary taste and appreciation for the work of others, Hasrat also undertook the significant task of compiling poetry from both classical and modern poets into an extensive collection spanning seven volumes, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of a wide range of poetic voices.
