URDU HUMOUR: GES, METRO FOCUS OF ‘ZINDA DILAN-E-HYDERABAD’

Patronage for standup comedian being lost because of a new genre of comedy in Hyderabadi films

There was a time in what seems like the distant past now, when NRIs mostly from Hyderabad invited the artists to the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and the Middle East, to perform their best dramas.

“This is no longer the case. It could be because of a new genre of comedy in Hyderabadi films. It may also be because of losing patronage for the standup comedian,” says Mr Hamed Kamaal, a much acclaimed comedian. In the past, audio cassettes with the Hyderabadi humour were a great hit with the Gulf countries being a huge market. Slowly the audio industry paved the way for Hyderabadi comedy film. “But this could not catch the public’s interest like the stage shows and audio cassettes did in 1980s and 90s. Now social media is taking over and individual artiste are not getting much recognition,” said Mr Kamal. The Urdu humour lovers laughed fullthroated at the ‘Zinda Dilan-e-Hyderabad,’ annual event in the city. Eminent humorists or ‘mizahia shayers’ from across the country enthralled the gathering with their satire.

The visit of Ms Ivanka Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city and the improved civic conditions was the highlight of the event.

The poets minced no words connecting the poor road conditions prior to the overnight refurbishing of the city for the visit of the American President’s daughter.

As expected, hundreds of humour lovers from across the city gathered for the annual conference conducted in three sessions All India Mizahia Mushaira, Adabi Ijlas and Mahfile Latifa Goi.

Humorous concerts are usually a big draw in the city since there is plenty to laugh about. “The event occupies a special place in the hearts of Hyderabadis. People from across the city and adjoining districts make a point to attend it.

“Through the event we provide a platform for young poets,” said Mr Aleem Khan Falqi, member of Zinda Dilan -e- Hyderabad club, that is organising the conference.

Poets rendered their compositions revolving around wife and mother-in-law, the present political scenario in the country, the NDA government and ‘gau rakshak’ amongst other topics.

Those who regaled the audience included Muzaffar Ali Baig, Daulat Ram, Hamed Kamal, Dr Mohd Rafth Ali and Dr Aleem Khan Falki. Humorists from across the country also participated.

The Zinda Dilan-eHyderabad has also been publishing a monthly satire magazine ‘Shugoofa’ for the last 50 years and it is the only magazine on satire in the country that is published on a regular basis.