Majaz is a debut biopic feature film by Huma Khalil that depicts the life and poetry of the Urdu poet, Asrar Ul Haq Majaz, also known as a 'romantic revolutionary' in the Urdu world. The film's narrative is portrayed through the perspective of a current-day young research scholar, who, intrigued by the creative genius of this poet, explores the history and events that led to the creation of his poetic masterpieces as well as depression, self-destructive behaviour, and his early death. Despite the trials and tribulations in his personal life, Majaz kept creating poetic masterpieces which are universal and imperishable even after so many years. The film chronicles all the major 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 at Agra on whose suggestion, Majaz came to Aligarh, a city known for its rich poetic culture. There, he wrote and recited poetry in his inimitable style to inspire youth to take part in the struggle for independence of India. Majaz was also a great advocate of women's empowerment and wrote extensive poetry dedicated to women, a feat which was much ahead of his time. This garnered him an unparallel female following and notoriety. His poetry not only inspired his young female audience but also inculcated the principles of independence of thought and 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 to Delhi to work at All India Radio. But at the peak of his popularity, the poet found himself in an agonising plight. He had fallen in love with a married woman who was an admirer of his poetry but was not ready to give up her settled life for the sake of love. Disillusioned and distraught by the ordeal, Majaz left Delhi and came to Lucknow, a city which suited his temperament. There, even though he found ample company, he remained broken from the inside. He then tried his hand at various jobs in Lucknow, Delhi, and Bombay but could not overcome his grief and sorrow. Throughout all this, Majaz continued with his poetic endeavours and pushed the envelope further. His progressive poetry cogently captured and conveyed the plight of youth struggling with joblessness, loss of home and property, and relationships in post- independent India. He was also the star performer at almost every mushaira (poetic symposium) that he attended.However, he was never spared from being judged and criticised for his unconventional ways, love life, and alcoholism, which took a heavy toll on his mind. His sensitive temperament was unable to deal with the loss of love as well as the loss of reputation. He destroyed himself with overconsumption of alcohol, suffered several nervous breakdowns, and was eventually admitted to a mental asylum. The biggest irony was that through his revolutionary yet relatable work, Majaz was able to provide a voice to prevalent issues of the time and offer solace and warmth as well as uplift the morale of people around him, but he was unable to find a way to soothe his own affliction. His condition was further exacerbated by a society that was uncaring and oblivious to his suffering. And unfortunately, this has been the fate of some of the most well-renowned artists and poets. At the young age of forty-four, Majaz died on a cold December night, near a tavern in the city of Lucknow. The intrigue around his early death still persists and the lovers of poetry try to decipher the various aspects of his life and poetry which could give them a clue to his complex mind. The frames of Huma's film bring alive Majaz's era of the late 1930s through a modern lens and capture the life and essence of a culturally and historically indispensable poet. Majaz's poetry forms the backbone of the entire film which has been further supplemented by sonorous music. Many dialogues in the film are exchanges of Urdu couplets written by Majaz. Also, various other aspects of Majaz's life, including his friendship with his contemporary poets like Sahir Ludhianvi, Josh Malihabadi, Sardar Jafri, and others have been showcased in the film. Apart from shedding light on the singular genius and pioneering work of the poet, the objective of the film, which is in sync with the objective of the Rekhta Foundation, is to develop the interest of today's youth for the profound art of poetry in this fastpaced internet age. Majaz gives an insight into the imperishable appeal and the inclusiveness of Urdu poetry which is fast fading in the land where it originated. The film also brings to light the yearnings of the sensitive hearts of artists, their inability to deal with plebeian challenges of daily life, and the responsibility of society and their admirers to help and support these purveyors of delight who have enthralled humanity through their creative outpourings.
