Monday 21 December 2020

लहर

 


बह कर चलना

चल कर बहना, 

लहरों का कोई मुकाम नहीं 

देता उनकी मुन्तजि़र ख्वाहिशों को

कोई मुकम्मल अनजा़म नहीं, 

दूर कहीं 

कामिल करता 

शायद 

बसता एक साहिल यकी़न... 


चाह रखती उन उचाईयों की

पर थमने के लिये 

तलाशती 

ठहरे हुए उस

 साहिल की, 


ठहरा हुआ एक साहिल

जो 

लहरों की  सिमटती हुई आहटों को , 

कभी धिमी

कभी तेज़ रफ्तारों को, 

आबशार सी बहती मौजों को ,

लम्बे सफ़र की उस आस को, 

बूंदों की नज्म़ से पिरोये उन अफ़सानों को, 

अपने आगो़श में समेटे 

नवाजे़ पनाह 

कामरान दुआओं जैसी। 


साहिल वही

लहरों को जो समेटे हुए, 

राह दे

फिर से बढ़ने की, 

चाह दे

दूर एक कश्ती की, 

उन आसमां छूते

नफी़स अरमानों की, 

कवायद 

चांद के नूर में निखरने की.. 


लेकिन

साहिल करता यू बया़न

" बहना ही तेरी फि़तरत है

बहना ही तेरी तिलावत, 

तू जमीन की है ही नहीं 

रुक के भी ना थमती कहीं, 

आशियाना नहीं मैं तेरा, 

फिजा़ संग तू है लहरायी, 

कहाँ लिखा है 

तेरा मुझ में फ़नाह होना, 

ब़हर में तू यूं  है समायी "

Wednesday 13 May 2020

ये मोह कैसा


उस राह कि तरफ ये रूख कैसा

जिस राह कि मन्जर में हो, 
फर्क ऐसा, 
जो ना तेरा मुकाम है, ना मेरा 
उस ख्वाहिश से यह मोह कैसा?


तेरे आँसुओं को जहाँ पनाह ना मिले 
आंखों की जुबान बयान ना हो
मुस्कुराहट के जख्मों का मरहम ना हो
उससे यह मोह कैसा?


जो तेरे छुपे अहसासों को आहट ना दे
आवाज की कशीश को जो पहचान ना सके, 
 बदल ना सके हवाओं का रूख  

यह मोह कैसा?

जो तेरी गुहार को अनजाम ना दे
हाथ की लकीरों को थाम ना ले, 
संगदिल, जो तुझे इख्तियार ना सके 
फिर भी ये मोह कैसा?


तू अब भी करता है
खुद को उसमें हासिल, 
जिसकी रूह से हो तेरी रूह का रिश्ता, 
उस सच्ची राह-ए- उल्फ़त से 
ये मोह कैसा। 

तुझ में बस्ती है तेरी माँ





तेरा वुजूद कायम करके
खुद का खुद से राबता बनाकर
रुह का तेरा हिस्सा बनकर
तुझ को मुकम्मल कर
तुझ में बस्ती है वो, 

तेरे ख्यालों की गहराईयों में
तेरे लफ्जों की खलिश में
उन  करकश पन्नों की
तेरी लिखीं किताबों में
तेरे अल्फाज़ बनकर
तुझ में महकती है वो, 

तेरी नियामत हाथों की लकीरों में
तेरे साये तले उन पनाहो में
उन राहगीरों की दुआओं में 
उस जिंदादिली में बस कर
तुझ में झलकती है वो, 

तेरे आसमान छूते अरमानों में 
हासिल होते हर मुकामों में 
उन होसलों की जंग में 
जिंदगी के मुश्किल महकमों में
रात के साये में, तारों की आगोश लिये
तुझे समेटती है वो, 

तेरी आवाज़ कि कशीश में 
उन सच्ची वफाओं में 
तेरी बेइंतहा उल्फ़त में 
अफसानों का आईना बनकर
तुझमें निखरती है वो, 

तेरी कायनात को समेटती
उन आँखों में, 

तेरी जिदंगी को जितती
उन चंद सासों में, 

तेरा आलम थामें खड़ी है वो, 
जहन में शामिल 
तुझ में बस्ती है तेरी माँ।

The Golden Sand


The Golden Sand
Far in the opulent desert land
Sparkle golden sand
Dry and flaccid from distance,
It embraces treasure of heartland.
Yes! Lies the golden sand
Far in the desert land.

Feet traversed the land
Without discerning sand,
With a benevolent gaze at the lines of my palm
Did I embrace the golden sand?

The almighty paves a path
A path to ardour the land,
Yes, the golden sand armoured the soul
With peace profound.
Sparkling in the palms,
It adored like heap of diamond, so intense.
Glittering vibrant colors
Radiating imperial strength.

The soul treasured
The touch mesmerized
Feeling essence of an adorable feather,
The heart fragrant like a flower bed
Gleaming in all weather.

The body danced in the ballerina of dreams,
Lo and behold! Dreams which can shatter,
Close to the reality of life
Perching for the sacred space,
Resilience mind.

Counted lines in the palm
Unlike countless granules,
When the palm unfurled
Every granule lifted, fisted
Slipped shaping fond reminiscence.

The breezy winds with the dint of stormy journey
Enveloped the sand
Like cloud obscuring sun.
This was destined.

It was golden sand
Far in the desert land.
An alcove for ardent endearment…

Shaheen Hasan

Jaisalmer, December 2019

Thursday 15 February 2018

A candle light story tale under starry night

The first day of World Sacred Spirit Festival was a short experience which can be felt with a deep breath rather being told.  Listening to the Pabuji Phad in the desert rock park amidst the backdrop of  Mehrangarh fort , gave a feeling of romancing the starry nights in the backdrop of fort amidst the humming tunes of Rajasthani folk music.



The Bhopa musicians in their original voice, accentuated each scene of the phad accompanying the song with a lamp or dance. Musical instruments like ravanhatta, and manjira emphasised the prominent strings while singing the prowness of Pabuji. The venue was beautifully lit in candle lights and the story of Pabuji was narrated on phad (Curtain) in form of pictures depicting the heroic scenes. Mounted on bamboo sticks, the phad was lit from behind with candle lights, making it look even more beautiful with reminiscent of yesteryears. The aura of the place was dim yet very serene as one can just close the eyes, hearing the music and admire the real beauty and altitude of Mehrangarh fort glowing in soft, subtle lights under the starry sky.  Cold yet pleasant night with no other voice except the sound of music accompanied by the hissy sound of the forest was an experience untold.


It is truly said that folk music is best enjoyed at a place girdling the real essence of the tunes humming into the heart.

Thursday 7 September 2017

The Royal Indulgence , Narendra Bhawan Bikaner

She inclined her head graciously, permitting the paparazzi to photograph her” - A feeling when you enter a picturesque place – Narendra Bhawan .

The literal meaning of Narendra is ‘ The King ‘ and Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner is indeed one of the finest boutique hotels and a promising leader of indulgence in royal yet modern era. This intrinsically decorated grand residence of Late Maharaja Narendra Singh ji of Bikaner is a gateway to witness the rich culture and hospitality of Rajasthan. A pleasure to the eyes, joy to the heart and elixir to the mind, this place is a perfect blend of royal era merged with modern facilities and lavish interiors.  On my visit to this hotel in February 2017, I was mesmerized by the beauty and breadth of the place. From the foyer to the lobby, courtyard, rooms and terrace, the view was just magnificent . The hotel has marvellous collection of vintage.





At the entrance of the hotel, one perceives that the hotel is a palatial house of a king and the interiors would match the exteriors but the moment I took my first step in, I found how beautifully the style of a king and his possessions are showcased to make one feel and witness a royal yet modern look. This reminds me of Barnaba Fornasetti, who has showcased priceless possessions of his father Piero Fornasetti in his own house (L' Oasis De Fornasetti -Milan) giving a soul to every object sensing the presence of the master everywhere.



Narendra Bhawan doesn’t have a conventional reception area.  An array of beautifully placed porcelain vases at the entrance gives a gracious welcome to the guests. Judiciously used spaces in fond memories and remembrance of Late Maharaja  make history in motion. The veranda on the entrance gives one a 360 degree view of the interest of the Late Maharaja from books to artefacts to fabric to music. As one steps in, the rectangular shaped lobby gives a spectacular view of the breadth giving a desire to experience more. Living corners and spaces in the lobby are decorated in a manner that the past looks more contemporary as if one is still living in the era bygone.  A grand baby piano painted blood red was the apple of my eye. With Edith Piaf’s classic ‘Non Je Ne Regrette Rien’ hand painted on it as a tribute to one of Narendra Singh Ji’s favourite songs reliving the timeless appeal of French Music. It is truly said that red is the color of love and as one nears the red color piano, one falls in love, fingers playing the music of love. The place is not recreating history but it is making the history ‘Alive’.  The beauty of varied color fabrics in silk pattern is flamboyantly showcased on the walls in framing styles.



The unique work showcased in the interior decoration of the hotel is an exemplary example of prowess of the hotel designer and hotel management. The interiors of the hotel gives an illusion of an optical maze which invigorate and indulge your senses and challenge your mind as you experience uniqueness created in every space, how spaces would flow into each other beautifully. The space not only gives a visual appeal but also makes them functionally operational . There are comfortable sitting arrangements at every place possible. When different texture of fabric drapes various walls across the hotel, whether in the rooms and verandas, the thought that a beauty is draped in soft and lustrous silk strikes the mind. Every small detail present catches the attention of eye. Presence of interest and passion of the Late Maharaja is ubiquitous in form of photographs, paintings and other artifacts. Every nook has a story to tell, blending tradition with modernity.




The subtle colors of the restaurant P & C ,Pearls & Chiffons makes one feel as if submerged in the royal era dining queen style in bone China crockery. The subtle colors and graceful decor of the restaurant enhances ones intimacy with the place and gives the restaurant a unique identity. Fine gota patti work flowers spread all over the dining table gives look of crystal sparkling in the  restaurant where one can nibble best cuisine. Cafe Mad Hatter offers the best baked sweet food with blend of taste and flavour.   



Every room talks about an era relived and comes with history retold. The rooms are a celebration to colours coated with vivid color pallets, handpicked in specific themes paying royal tribute to the Late Maharaja. Every room designed in an unconventional style, gives a concept of space with uniqueness and an experience to cherish forever. From high elaborate engraved ceilings, sliding wooden windows, cloth framed folding wall mounted TV cabinets, sliding closet, hanging lamps, crystal cut mirror design side tables, cloth draped wall near study tables, floor finished in yellow and white marble terrazzo, Portuguese porcelain tiles as found in old Goan houses  all embracing royal era under one roof. Even the rooms reflect the lifestyle of the Late Maharaja and every object has a soul sensing presence of the master. The exuberance of the ‘Prince’ rooms, showcase the vibrant young days of the erstwhile emperor. The ‘Regimental’ room takes one back to his military aura and his leadership elegance. The ‘Republic’ and ‘India’ suites are based on post Independence era when the Maharaja reclaimed his coveted titleThis article will be incomplete if the bathrooms are not described. The bathrooms of Narendra Bhawan make smart use of space. The neatly done bathrooms have console sinks, white-black light blue combination tiles outlined with royal Italian marble matching the grace of the rooms.




Terrace of Narendra Bhawan is yet another jewel in the royal crown. It is a beautifully lit open air area for imagination with Moroccon style ambiance. It is a place of grace, peace and tranquillity making one senses come alive. View of the roof top swimming pool with a glimpse of Bikaner city at the backdrop, the clear starry night putting its mirror image on pool water makes it a perfect place to unwind in the evening breeze with barbecue.








Diwali Chowk – the central courtyard gives a beautiful view from all angles and floors of the hotel. Intricately designed fine jaalis with glass work adorns the courtyard, highlighting the Rajasthani haveli architecture style. Comfortable sitting arena is created around the corridor area on all floors giving a magnificent view of the courtyard. The beam of sunlight peeping throw the fine jaalis in the corridors creates a kaleidoscopic pattern in the morning hours. Simplicity is also creativity, the blue cut glasses framed in between the jaalis adds to the beauty of the jaali design.


Narendra Bhawan is surely a testament to the dream of the MRS group to recreate a destination by offering curated experiences that are unique to Bikaner .


Shaheen Hasan

Jodhpur

Wednesday 16 August 2017

For My Son Kabir

12 September 2014


My Dearest Son Kabir

Congratulations on your birthday!!! You’re now 5 years old but it was like only yesterday that you came out to this world and now I have to answer all kinds of questions and we can discuss a lot of things together. You are a great company to your mother. I love it when you say I’m the best mother in the world and you always tell me that you love me and even shout out loud when you see me anytime during the day. I have to admit that sometimes I want to freeze the time that you will always be my little baby cuddling around but I know that now you are growing big and independent. In the morning when you wake up, you always smile and kiss me and your father and say “Good morning ” which makes our day complete. We sit down and talk while watching your favorite program in the TV, the Disney channel showcasing your favorite Cartoon Character Handy Manny and your favorite videos in Baby TV. We always want to stay together but then you have to be in your school and me at my work place and that’s when sometimes we have disagreement because you want to play more with me. On the way back to home from School, I kiss and wave my hand and I’m not sad because I know you are an independent understanding child since childhood who uses to stay back happy even when I was out for long tours.
I’ m very proud of you at very young age as you can do a lot of things like coloring, helping me in small household activities and a lot of things with your father in Garden. You are smart and active at a very young age but I’ always tell you and I pray that you stay humble and be patient if others can’t understand you. You use your Legos to construct elaborate vehicles and their parking areas.  You love it when we read together; I love it too. And you will always count on me to support and guide you along the way. Now you are likely to remember forever some of the memories you’re making. You like scoring a goal, even though you didn’t realize what you had done while playing cricket and Soccer. And you liked winning more than losing. Your enthusiasm for various thrills has been a lesson for me in knowing how boys grow up fast.
I thank God that you are a healthy and a happy boy who always makes me, your father and grandparents happy. One of the greatest gifts in my life is having the chance to be your mother and I cherish every moment we spent with you. We love you and wish you Happy 5th birthday .God bless you always.


Your Loving Mother
Shaheen