Majaz is a debut biopic feature film by Huma Khalil that depicts the life and poetry ofthe Urdu poet, Asrar Ul Haq Majaz, also known as a 'romantic revolutionary' in theUrdu world. The film's narrative is portrayed through the perspective of a current-dayyoung research scholar, who, intrigued by the creative genius of this poet, exploresthe history and events that led to the creation of his poetic masterpieces as well asdepression, self-destructive behaviour, and his early death. Despite the trials andtribulations in his personal life, Majaz kept creating poetic masterpieces which areuniversal and imperishable even after so many years. The film chronicles all themajor milestones and pivotal moments in the life of the poet.Majaz found a mentor in the well-known poet Fani (Badayuni) in his early days atAgra on whose suggestion, Majaz came to Aligarh, a city known for its rich poeticculture. There, he wrote and recited poetry in his inimitable style to inspire youth totake part in the struggle for independence of India.Majaz was also a great advocate of women's empowerment and wrote extensivepoetry dedicated to women, a feat which was much ahead of his time. This garneredhim an unparallel female following and notoriety. His poetry not only inspired hisyoung female audience but also inculcated the principles of independence of thoughtand choice of dressing in an era where orthodox conventions were the norms.With time, the fame and popularity of Majaz grew exponentially, and he shifted toDelhi to work at All India Radio. But at the peak of his popularity, the poet foundhimself in an agonising plight. He had fallen in love with a married woman who wasan admirer of his poetry but was not ready to give up her settled life for the sake oflove. Disillusioned and distraught by the ordeal, Majaz left Delhi and came toLucknow, a city which suited his temperament. There, even though he found amplecompany, he remained broken from the inside. He then tried his hand at various jobsin Lucknow, Delhi, and Bombay but could not overcome his grief and sorrow.Throughout all this, Majaz continued with his poetic endeavours and pushed theenvelope further. His progressive poetry cogently captured and conveyed the plightof youth struggling with joblessness, loss of home and property, and relationships inpost- independent India. He was also the star performer at almost every mushaira(poetic symposium) that he attended.However, he was never spared from beingjudged and criticised for his unconventional ways, love life, and alcoholism, whichtook a heavy toll on his mind. His sensitive temperament was unable to deal with theloss of love as well as the loss of reputation. He destroyed himself withoverconsumption of alcohol, suffered several nervous breakdowns, and waseventually admitted to a mental asylum.The biggest irony was that through his revolutionary yet relatable work, Majaz wasable to provide a voice to prevalent issues of the time and offer solace and warmthas well as uplift the morale of people around him, but he was unable to find a way tosoothe his own affliction. His condition was further exacerbated by a society that wasuncaring and oblivious to his suffering. And unfortunately, this has been the fate ofsome of the most well-renowned artists and poets.At the young age of forty-four, Majaz died on a cold December night, near a tavernin the city of Lucknow. The intrigue around his early death still persists and the loversof poetry try to decipher the various aspects of his life and poetry which could givethem a clue to his complex mind.The frames of Huma's film bring alive Majaz's era of the late 1930s through amodern lens and capture the life and essence of a culturally and historicallyindispensable poet. Majaz's poetry forms the backbone of the entire film which hasbeen further supplemented by sonorous music. Many dialogues in the film areexchanges of Urdu couplets written by Majaz. Also, various other aspects of Majaz'slife, including his friendship with his contemporary poets like Sahir Ludhianvi, JoshMalihabadi, Sardar Jafri, and others have been showcased in the film.Apart from shedding light on the singular genius and pioneering work of the poet, theobjective of the film, which is in sync with the objective of the Rekhta Foundation, isto develop the interest of today's youth for the profound art of poetry in this fastpacedinternet age. Majaz gives an insight into the imperishable appeal and theinclusiveness of Urdu poetry which is fast fading in the land where it originated. Thefilm also brings to light the yearnings of the sensitive hearts of artists, their inability todeal with plebeian challenges of daily life, and the responsibility of society and theiradmirers to help and support these purveyors of delight who have enthralledhumanity through their creative outpourings.
