Dubai Executive Amaan Haider Zaidi Bridges Cultures Through
In the bustling city of Dubai, Amaan Haider Zaidi leads a double life. By day, he is a prominent executive at a global visa outsourcing and technology services company. By night, he transforms into Haider Amaan Haider, an Urdu poet whose journey through poetry began as a means of healing from personal struggles. Over the past seven years, he has turned his passion for verse into a musical venture, collaborating with renowned artists and bringing Urdu poetry to a wider audience.
A Musical Journey Begins
Haider’s foray into the music industry gained momentum earlier this year with the release of his debut ghazal album, “Ghazal Ho Gayi,” featuring the celebrated Bollywood singer Shaan. The album includes six ghazals, four of which are drawn from Haider’s poetry collection, “Apni Amaan Main Rakhna,” while two were specially crafted for the album. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, resonating with listeners of all ages and reintroducing them to the beauty of Urdu poetry through music.
“This album is very close to my heart. I’m humbled by the love it has received,” Haider shared. “The response has been overwhelming and deeply encouraging.”
The Spark of Collaboration
The collaboration with Shaan began during Expo 2020 Dubai, where both artists connected through their shared admiration for Indian classical music. Their mutual mentor, the late Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, had recognized the musicality in Haider’s poetry, which paved the way for their partnership.
Hearing his words brought to life by Shaan’s voice was a transformative experience for Haider. “It felt like my emotions had finally found their own sound,” he recalled. Some of the ghazals were specifically written with Shaan’s vocal style in mind, highlighting the depth and delicacy that make ghazals so poignant.
Exploring Spiritual Themes
Currently, Haider is working on a new project with composer Salim Merchant, known for his work with the Salim-Sulaiman duo. This upcoming album delves into spiritual themes, contrasting with the romantic focus of “Ghazal Ho Gayi.”
“This collaboration with Salim bhai moves in a different direction—less about romance, more about the spiritual journey within,” Haider explained. He appreciates Salim’s ability to blend Indian musical roots with contemporary global sounds, allowing his poetry to resonate on a universal level.
Reviving Urdu Poetry
Haider believes that music plays a crucial role in reviving interest in Urdu poetry among younger generations. “Today, ghazals are streaming everywhere,” he noted, highlighting the impact of social media and digital platforms in connecting audiences with this rich literary tradition.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed; Haider has represented Indian Urdu poetry on international stages and received accolades, including recognition from the World Book of Records London for his contributions to literature and culture.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Haider has plans for a new poetry collection and aims to explore multilingual projects that incorporate English, Arabic, Singali, and Pashto. “I’m planning cross-language collaborations,” he revealed, emphasizing his desire to bridge cultural divides through poetry.
Reflecting on his journey, Haider acknowledges that poetry has been a source of healing for him. “Music turned silence into serenity. It gave my pain a rhythm and my hope, a voice,” he said. His experiences have shaped his creative focus, evolving from personal struggles to themes of spirituality and self-discovery.
Influences and Inspiration
Born in a small village in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, and raised in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, Haider draws inspiration from legendary poets and musicians, including Mir Taqi Mir, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Rahat Indori. He believes that authenticity is key in poetry. “Write what you feel, not what sells. If your words move even one heart, they’ve done their job,” he advises aspiring poets.
FAQs
What inspired Haider to start writing poetry?
Haider began writing poetry as a way to cope with depression following a personal tragedy, finding solace and healing in verse.
How did Haider’s collaboration with Shaan come about?
Their collaboration started during Expo 2020 Dubai, where they connected through their shared mentor, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who recognized the musicality in Haider’s poetry.
What themes does Haider explore in his upcoming projects?
Haider’s upcoming projects focus on spiritual themes and self-discovery, aiming to blend traditional Urdu poetry with contemporary global sounds.
Conclusion
Amaan Haider Zaidi’s journey from corporate executive to celebrated poet and lyricist illustrates the transformative power of art. Through his collaborations and innovative projects, he is not only reviving Urdu poetry but also creating a universal language that resonates across cultures. As he continues to explore new themes and partnerships, Haider’s work promises to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.
Also Read:
Diwali Celebrations at Global Village Dubai: A Cultural Fest
Urdu Poetry Celebrated at Dubai’s Applause Adab Mushaira
