Khalid: A Legacy of Urdu Literature, Journalism, and Television

Khalid: A Legacy of Urdu Literature, Journalism, and Television

Khalid was a multifaceted intellectual whose contributions spanned the realms of journalism, television, and poetry. Known for his ability to blend progressive themes with emotional depth, he left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Pakistan through his writing and editorial leadership.

Key Facts

  • Column Title: Wrote under the title "Lamha-Lamha" across multiple major newspapers.
  • PTV Success: Created top-rated dramas including Kajal Ghar, Kiran, and Ghubar.
  • Literary Innovation: Redefined progressive-ism within the Urdu Ghazal.
  • Editorial Work: Published the literary magazine Bayaz for 22 years.
  • Musical Influence: His poetry was featured in the theme song of the drama Humsafar.

Journalism and the "Lamha-Lamha" Columns

Khalid's career in journalism began with the Daily Imroz, where he established his voice as a columnist. He later expanded his reach, writing for Jang Karachi and Jang Lahore. Although a transfer to Tarbela caused a three-year hiatus in his writing, he returned to Jang Lahore upon his return. The final six years of his life were dedicated to writing for Nawa-i-Waqt.

Throughout these various publications, his columns were consistently titled "Lamha-Lamha." This body of work was so significant that his contributions to the Daily Imroz were eventually compiled into a book of the same name.

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Contributions to Pakistan Television (PTV) and Radio

Beyond the printed page, Khalid was a prolific essayist and playwright for the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). He specialized in drama serials, plays, and documentaries. He became particularly recognized for his unique narrative approach, creating compelling dramas that functioned without traditional villains.

This innovative storytelling led to the creation of Kajal Ghar. Along with Kiran and Ghubar, this show achieved the distinction of being rated as the number one program on PTV during its broadcast. In addition to his television work, he contributed various songs and plays to Radio Pakistan.

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Poetry and the Evolution of the Urdu Ghazal

Khalid gained widespread popularity through his poetry, contributing regularly to various literary magazines and publishing five books of poetry. He is credited with introducing new trends to the Urdu Ghazal (a form of amatory poem or ode), providing a fresh definition to progressive-ism in literature.

His influence extends into modern popular culture. Lines from one of his famous Ghazals, "Tark-e-Talluqat," were incorporated into the opening theme song "Woh Humsafar Tha," performed by Quratulain Balouch for the drama Humsafar. The poignant lines read: "tark-e-talluqat pe roya na tu na main lekin ye kya ki chain se soya na tu na main."

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The Monthly Bayaz

For 22 years leading up to his death, Khalid published Bayaz, a monthly Urdu literary magazine. This publication served as a vital platform for some of the most esteemed poets of the era, including Jaun Elia, Ahmad Faraz, Habib Jalib, and Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi.

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Summary of Khalid's Professional Contributions
Field Key Works / Affiliations Notable Achievements
Journalism Daily Imroz, Jang (Karachi & Lahore), Nawa-i-Waqt Authored the "Lamha-Lamha" column series
Television PTV (Pakistan Television Corporation) Created #1 rated shows: Kajal Ghar, Kiran, and Ghubar
Poetry 5 Poetry Books, various magazines Redefined progressive-ism in Urdu Ghazal
Publishing Bayaz (Monthly Magazine) Published for 22 years featuring elite poets

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the name of Khalid's famous column?

His columns were written under the title "Lamha-Lamha," and his work for the Daily Imroz was later compiled into a book with the same name.

Which PTV dramas written by Khalid were the most successful?

The dramas Kajal Ghar, Kiran, and Ghubar were all rated as the number one shows on PTV during their respective broadcasts.

How did Khalid influence the Urdu Ghazal?

He is recognized as a poet who introduced new trends to the Urdu Ghazal, specifically by giving a new definition to progressive-ism.

What is the connection between Khalid's poetry and the drama Humsafar?

Lines from his Ghazal "Tark-e-Talluqat" were used in the opening theme song "Woh Humsafar Tha," sung by Quratulain Balouch.

Who were some of the poets featured in Bayaz magazine?

The magazine featured several renowned poets, including Jaun Elia, Ahmad Faraz, Habib Jalib, and Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi.

References

  1. Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (20 March 2013). "Poet Khalid laid to rest". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  2. Khan Maddah, Mohammad Mustafa (1959). Urdu-hindi Shabd-Kosh. Government of Uttar Pradesh. pp. 4–8.
  3. Khan Maddah, Mohammad Mustafa (1939). Josh-o-Amal [Passion of Action] (in Urdu). Jayyad Barki Press Delhi.
  4. Manzoor, Nauman (2021). Khalid Ahmad: Shakhsiyat-aur-fun. Pakistan Academy of Letters. ISBN 978-969-472-471-3.
  5. "Death anniversary of Hajra Masroor observed". www.radio.gov.pk. Retrieved 15 January 2025.