Poet and singer Minu Bakshi continues to captivate audiences with her latest book, Barish-e-Rahmat (Showers of Mercy), a collection of heartfelt Urdu poetry. Originally compiled last year, the book has now been released with a Hindi transcription, making it accessible to a broader audience.
“In an age where people communicate through short texts and emojis, poetry offers depth and nuance,” says Bakshi, who is also a Spanish language educator.
The Relevance of Urdu Poetry Today
Despite the fast-paced digital world, Bakshi believes that Urdu poetry still holds great significance. “Even in a time dominated by social media, people seek meaning, beauty, and emotional depth in words,” she explains. “The ghazals of Ghalib, the nazms of Faiz, and the couplets of Jaun Elia continue to resonate because they express timeless emotions.”
Romance and Poetry: A Timeless Connection
Love has always been a central theme in Urdu poetry, and Bakshi sees it evolving with modern forms of expression. “Romance is eternal, and Urdu poetry remains one of its most powerful voices,” she says. In today’s world, love is often conveyed through texts, Instagram captions, and voice notes. “A well-placed couplet can make a simple message profound,” she adds. She also notes that poetry is re-emerging in indie music, spoken word performances, and even wedding invitations.
Urdu Poetry as Social Commentary
Beyond romance, Urdu poetry has historically been a tool for resistance and social reflection. Bakshi acknowledges the challenge of maintaining its sharpness while preserving the beauty that makes it so powerful. “Urdu poetry has always been a mirror to society. The challenge is to bring back its intensity without losing its elegance,” she remarks.
A Journey Through Emotions
With Barish-e-Rahmat, Bakshi continues her poetic journey, marking her sixth book. She recalls the overwhelming response from listeners during mushairas and baithaks. “Each poem carries different emotions and means different things to different people,” she says. “After all, poetry is all about emotions.”
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