Telling a story in the world today requires imagination, and insight into human characters and situations. Telling a story in the world thousands of years ago required all that, and due to the absence of paper, the gift of actually telling a story. Even the most interesting tale in the world would put you to sleep if told in a monotone. The advent of publishing has forced the art of story-telling into hiding. But it is not lost! Here is a recording to prove that.
The recording, recommended by Uzair Tahir (Thanks Uzair!), features one of the eminent speakers in Pakistan, Zia Mohiyuddin, reciting some passages from Pandit Ratan Nath Sarshaar's magnum opus, Fasaana-e-Azad, a novel recounting the journeys of the protagonist Azad through the streets of Lucknow and all across India.
The passage describes a scene set in a Nawab's court when a favourite pet Batair (quail) of his, called Saf Shikan, gets lost. Enjoy!
If you prefer English but still wish to enjoy some more of Pandit Ratan Nath's writings, click here to read a translated version of a small part of the Fasaana entitled Azad Goes to a Railway Restaurant. (translated by Frances W. Pritchett)
This is so funny!!! An awesome reading!
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