An ardent fan of the ghazal, the musically poetic genre of Urdu literature, Erode Thamizhanban tries his hand at the form in Tamil. He emerges with a fair amount of success, the lines reflecting myriad feelings, mostly inclined to love, often suggesting the unrequited kind. The longing and helplessness of a wounded heart come across quite powerfully.

“Tamil is replete with scope for new creative efforts but this is my humble contribution towards expanding the horizon of my mother tongue,” says the writer in his introduction, his brush with Urdu poetry going back many years. Long time literary associate Sajjad Bhukhari, vice-president, State Urdu Academy, Amjad Ali of Erode, and Ahmed Basha, professor with Jamal Mohammed College, introduced the nuances of Urdu poetry.

Sajjad Bhukari has translated five of the Tamil ghazals into Urdu, a surprise addition that gives Thamizhanban’s work perfect endorsement.

Ghazal Piraigal – Erode Thamizhanban – Pablo Bharati Publishers – 95, Second Main Road, Porur Garden, Second Stage, Chennai 600095. Rs. 200.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Geetha Venkatramanan / June 20th, 2013