KARACHI: More often than not, it is the anticipation of the pain rather than the pain itself that is unbearable. Especially if the object of fear is not well defined as a construct; anxiety is largely driven from the inability to conceive.
Noon Meem Rashid's zindagi se darte ho may not entirely be about this motif but one can relate it to the notion that awareness to one's limited comprehension appears far scarier than any catastrophe.
Perhaps Rashid in the words ' Aadmi kay daman se zindagi hai wabista , Iss Se Tum Nahin Darte Ho, Ankahi Se Darte Ho' is talking about how at a primal level we fear not death but the constant reminder that we can never fully conceive its nature.
The poem since it was written in 1969 has witnessed countless presentations in the form of songs and recitations; each rendition either directly or indirectly relating to its surroundings at the time.
Karachi-based band Nishtar Park which has developed a reputation for interpreting the works of Urdu poets within the confines of contemporary music recently released their rendition of Rashid's classic. The band comprises Ali Raj on lead vocals, Arnold Anthony and Mikhyle Anthony on lead guitars and bass, Ahsun Tariq on rhythm guitars and Shan Anthony on Darbuka
Whether intentional or not, the timing of the song couldn't have been more apt. Given the current state of affairs relating to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the song could be taken as a commentary on how at the core, mankind is collectively panicking not because of the statistics they are presented with on a daily basis but the constant reiteration that there is still so very little known about the nature of the disease.
While the knee-jerk reaction to interpret this poem in the context of the current circumstances would be to understand it as a nihilist anthem, Nishtar Park has managed to turn it into a song about hope. Instead of accompanying the verses with a complex arrangement, Nishter Park rather compliments it with the simplicity of soft rock.
The song takes the audience on a journey of self-reflection in six minutes. It gives a sense of reassurance with the words Zindagi sey darte ho ? Zindagi tu tum bhi ho, relaying them rather empathetically as opposed to hard-hitting truth bombs.
Through its course, one could feel waves of acknowledgment with the changes in accents in the musical arrangement going perfectly in sync with the words. That being said, it does have its pitfalls. For the most part, they are linked to its production quality, particularly the guitar and bass tones feeling rather raw in places they are not supposed to. Additionally, the mix at some points also seems a bit rushed.
However, as a whole, if one were to see past these minor issues, the song delivers what it promises. In this case, that promise is to not lose hope and composure as the world around you appears collapsing. Nishtar Park's Zindagi sey darte ho is a must-listen for anyone who finds themselves in a constant state of helplessness when presented with conditions, he or she has no control over.
Listen to the song here:
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