Remembering agony of Batalvi’s poetry

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, May 3

The omniscient poet, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, with his original and refreshing expressions had extended the geography of Punjabi poetry across the borders. Punjab Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu was the chief guest at the musical function, organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Haryana, S-4 Trust and Punjab Arts Council at Randhawa Auditorium here on Thursday.

Star singer Dr Rinku Kalia, renowned vocalist and double winner of Zee TV’s musical show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma PA’ in Hindi and Punjabi brought alive the pathos, agony and lacerated pain reflected in the lyrics of the legendary Batalvi in the special programme, ‘Birha da Sultan’, coinciding with the 45th death anniversary of the poet and dedicated to the memory of noted art promoter late Prof Rajpal Singh.

Beginning with ‘Raat gae kar tara tara”, Rinku continued the sombre mood with ‘Peedan da paraga’, ‘Shikra yaar’, ‘Ki puchh deo haal’ and ‘Main kandiali thor’ even as a discerning audience hungered for more. Sensing mood of the audience, she switched over to light romantic numbers, ‘Aaj din chadya’, ‘Mainu tera shabbab’ and ‘Ik kudi’ before concluding with a sad number ‘Eh mera geet’.

The S-4 Trust management honoured the chief guest and Surjit Patar, chairman of the Punjab Arts Council, who was the guest of honour. Aruna Batalvi, wife of Shiv Kumar Batalvi, was a special guest.

Senior broadcaster BS Malik anchored the programme, which was dedicated to art promoter late Prof Rajpal Singh. Dr Surjit Patar expressed gratitude to Sidhu, Aruna Batalvi and Dr Kuldip Kaur Tiwana.