Poet says no shortcut to success but hard work. PHOTO: FILE
Abida Taqi is Rawalpindi’s very own short story writer and poet with a natural talent to transform human feelings into poetry.
When asked if betrayal or the parting of a dear one prompted her to begin writing poetry, the poet said, “These days pain has taken on a new meaning. Love and relationships are more important than lamenting about disloyalty or separation. Life’s bittersweet experiences triggered my passion for poetry.”
Taqi’s most famous books include “Faseel-e-Khwab Say Agay (2003)” and “Doosra Fareshta (2005).” The response of readers has overwhelmed me, said Taqi, adding that “I like poetry that outlasts momentary popularity”.
There is no shortcut to success but hard work, Taqi said. She recalled when Ashaar Najmi, the editor of Esbaat, literary magazine, sent an email to her after reading some of her poetry saying that he wanted to publish her work for its distinct style. “So I sent him some of my poetry and it was published prominently.”
As with most established writers, Taqi’s childhood experiences fed her creative process. Her father, Taqi Hussain Shah, also wrote poems and was well-versed in Persian, Punjabi and Urdu. “There is a direct connection between my poetry and my childhood environment.” Moreover, famous poet Naisan Akbarabadi served as Taqi’s mentor and polished her talent during her formative years.
Taqi said there were many literary figures who had influenced her writing. “But the poetry of Mir Anis, Ghalib, Faiz largely influenced me as it reflected their extensive knowledge.” Moreover, Ada Jafri, Zohra Nigah, Kishwar Naheed and Parveen Shakir also left a substantial impact on Taqi. “All of these poets left me empowered.”
Taqi, who has been writing for over 22 years, says poetry is an “outlet for my inner self.”Shabnam Shakeel and many others have praised my work, she added.
Responding to a question, she said, “I take criticism as a source for improvement. I never get discouraged by disapproval, rather, I learn from it. During Manzar Naqvi’s period at the Pakistan Academy of Letters I learned and grew a lot as a poet and writer.”
Apart from the ‘fake’ poets who are in it for the money, there are still a number of original poets like Akhtar Usman, Anjum Khaleeq, Farooq Naeem who are producing commendable works, she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2013.
COMMENTS (15)
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Let me count the ways I like Abita Taqi: a sophisticated lady, a sophisticated poet, a sophisticated short story writer, a sophisticated friend with sophisticated manners and etiquette.
I like Anum, Saima and Shamama's bold commends. No unfavorable comment can demean the importance of good work.
The discussion whether Abida Taqi is a better poet or a better short story writer is immaterial. What counts is she possesses a talent to present her feelings and sentiments in a nice style. Those who have the creative ability and use it properly must be appreciated.
If Ashaar Najmi says Abida Taqi has got a distinct style, then she certainly has. Also Esbaat is quite an important and serious literary magazine, if it publishes Abida Taqi’s poetry with prominence it means hers is a serious poetry, not an outpouring of a teenage girl.
Abia Taqi is not that bad a poet as Abdul Hayee Shah has described. Her poetry is liked by persons of all ages. Age of readers is no criterion for judging the quality of poetry.
Abida Taqi’s poetry is full of feelings and emotions but her sentiments at times look like not dressed in proper language despite her good Persian vocabulary and mod diction.
Abida Taqi’s poetry is not a true mirror of her personality. Charming as her manners are she could have created a much better ghazal, nazm and short story. Perhaps, engrossed in her dreamy world she at times seems cut-off from her bona fide surroundings.
Abida Taqi could have been a better short story writer than a poet. Riding two boats at the same time seems to have drowned her talent in the murky waves of Poetic Ocean.
Salaam-o-Manqabat from Abida Taqi is also among the beautiful features of her poetry. Rich in spirituality and laced by resounding vocabulary this aspect of her poetry is quite inspiring.
Abida Taqi being a Secretary of Halqa-e-Arbabe-e-Zouq is well-known among the literary circle. She could have mentioned some more good poets in her interview and threw light on their work. Just mentioning the name is not enough. I expected a more detailed discourse of her as she is quite knowledgeable and has an excellent family background.
Abida Taqi is not a new talent. She has established herself as a poet who cherishes old values and presents them in a mod manner. Both her ghazals and nazms are an entertaining stuff. Her short stories are also significant in a sense they reflect the norms she believes in.