Imtiyaaz sits behind a curtain of beads at a roadside stall at Linking Road and sells jewellery. But, once the sun sets, he discards his shirt for a white kurta, and writes poetry under the moonlight at Bandstand.
“It’s almost like harbouring a secret life,” grins the 27-year-old. The only thing, which connects his parallel lives are words. “I use words to charm my customers, and push my dream forward.” His passion has earned him a break in Bollywood.
Big break
Imtiyaaz did what any struggler without any Bollywood connections would do — meet lyricists, doing the rounds of music directors’ offices and surviving on hope. “The last four years have been a roller coaster ride for me,” he says.
But it was well worth it because two months ago, his lyrics got selected for two films, Shayad and Sargam, both produced by Sajid Quereshi. They may not be big banner films, but Imtiyaaz is thrilled all the same. “Sonu Nigamji will be singing one of my songs. It’s a dream come true,” gushes Imtiyaaz.
While the songs have already been recorded, the films are yet to go on
floor.
Inspiration
Like most poets, Imtiyaaz’s poetry stems from spurned love. “Most of my songs are about my teenage lover who left me,” says the man, who believes good poetry should make you feel sad and sensual at the same time. While, Shakeel Badayuni, lyricist of Mughal-E-Azam is his role model, Imtiyaaz would love to work with Javed Akhtar.
Now or never
Imtiyaaz hopes to make it as a fulltime lyricist in Bollywood. Even while he’s sweating it out at his stall, he doesn’t hesitate to steal a moment to jot down a line. “Writing is my calling, and I feel it now, more than ever,” smiles Imtiyaaz.
Shayari ho jaye
Na jaane kaun diwani
Degi dil ke darwaze pe dastak
Guzra kai rahon se mein
Mili na mujhko abtak
AuthorTopic: shayari ho jaye (Read 422 times)
September 12, 2006, 09:29:55 PM