"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh PalShab beDaari is an experience in a form of a book. And to gain this experience innumerable pages through my eyes reside in me. It was my desire to make my passion into my profession. This dream became a reality only when I met Gulzar sahib.
Urdu language was the bridge that connected me with him. He was looking for an assistant and I for a teacher. Fortunately I had chances to improve upon my Urdu and I drenched myself completely in it at Gulzar Sahib's bungalow- Boskiyana.
As Writing drama and stories was my forte, it dawned upon me there that I can turn this hobby into a career as well.
I started reading even more extensively like I had strike a friendship with books that got deeper and deeper.
In that period I did translation work for few producers .
There were times that I was wide of the mark in writing but things would release in a perfect way under the supervision of a perfect teacher.
I dedicate this….. To my mentor, my Guru Gulzar Sahib.
Ishraq
Ishraq Shah is a story teller, this is how I know him. He makes the most modest situation very captivating by analyzing things uniquely. This makes him a prolific writer who feels deeply about things and with his clear vision writes in flawless Urdu and Hindi language.
His grip on Urdu language makes him use the precise words which touches a cord in the heart and the soul and one starts to relate to his poetry as we all have experienced those emotions but cannot give them words the way he does.
His uninhibited satirical take on contemporary issues is impressive and has an equally facile pen on emotions called life.His creativity is not only confined to writing but he has directed films touching topics like politics, gender empowerment etc
Being a student and then an assistant to Gulzar sahib he polished his literary skills. Another part of him is his romantic nature which makes him an explorer a learner and a nurturer. Separation from his beloved made him dive deeper within his own feelings of melancholy.
Awakening at night is a result of his experience with heart breaking, longing and solitude, he compares the night to a long period of separation, hopelessness and awakening to a ray of hope to see a glimpse of his beloved.
I wish Ishraq and this book a huge success and look forward to reading his next book HOW YOU CANNOT BECOME A FILM DIRECTOR which is a witty satire on the film industry and AWAKENING AT NIGHT-2 IN 2018.
-By Anonymous
English translation by Sabbeer Ahmed
