Soothing minds with poetry

Javed Akhtar will host a show on dohas and shayaris

Javed Akhtar

Poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar is well aware that terms like doha and shayari could send wrong vibes to the smart phone generation. In reality, he assures, the terms are nothing but a compilation of poetic words and rhyming sentences that can calm the hyper active generation who thinks of nothing beyond apps and updates. To tap into the minds of the younger generation and to reignite the bygone literary era Javed Akhtar will appear on Actve Javed Akhtar, a new package introduced by TATA sky for its subscribers.

So, how active does this man who is actively involved in films, feel?. He laughs, “If the mind is active, body follows. I am extremely happy about the new programme. At the same time I am honoured that I am chosen to decipher the dohas and the poetry to a generation I am writings songs to. Let’s not be overwhelmed by the names. Shayari , people think, is only for intellectuals and poets. No, they aren’t. It is written keeping in mind the situations, the emotions and the moods one comes across. Love is one such emotion. But to be in love and read a poetry one need not be a sick lover who is always drunk,” he laughs.

“Our past culture is based on glorified literary works and personalities harping on historical poetic renaissance. In this current context where we are struggling to sustain the existence of the old world charm of the poetic culture this will be pleasant change,” says the poet. The

shayaris and

dohas will be interpreted in the modern day context which can help in navigating through the stress and dilemmas of life, relationships and all the various issues that trouble us, feels Javed Akhtar. Explaining the format of the show, he says, “The duration for each episode is 10-15 minutes followed by a musical performance by a few artistes.

The service provides a soulful, romantic experience at the end of the day. It’s the complete experience of listening to some beautiful

shayari accompanied with music that moves you. Emotions are universal and everyone will identify with the selected works of the ancient poets,” he assures.