Lucknow: Lucknow’s evening sky seemed to echo the mood of “Neeli Baarish Mumbai”—azure, evocative, and laced with magic—as Rubina Hasan Sami launched her latest book at the Lucknow Farmer’s Market. The book, an ode to the cinematic and cultural grandeur of Bombay, presented Hindi poems and Nazms that transported the audience into a world of romance, drama, and nostalgia.
Rubina’s work is a celebration of Bombay’s rich cinematic and architectural heritage. With poetic pieces like Love Story and Victoria No. 203, she weaves an enchanting narrative that honors the artistry of legends such as Kumar Gaurav, Navin Nischol, Vidya Sinha, and Amol Palekar. Her words serve as a bridge between the golden age of Hindi cinema and the present, where fleeting connections often replace enduring love.
Among her highlights was the poem Sikandra, a tribute to Emperor Akbar, reflecting his legacy of cultural synthesis through Din-e-Ilahi. This poem stood out for its historical depth, echoing themes of unity and shared heritage. Similarly, Mumbai Café offered a romanticized view of Bombay’s timeless allure, blending café conversations with the city’s ceaseless energy.
Rubina’s poetic style, characterized by its versatility and wit, resonated deeply with the audience. Her mastery of free verse offered a refreshing take on themes of love, conflict, and longing, balancing timeless ideals with modern realities.
A Star-Studded Evening
The event brought together an eclectic mix of Lucknow’s literary and cultural enthusiasts. Senior bureaucrat Wajahat Habibullah, retired DGP . Sutapa Sanyal, entrepreneur. Jyotsna Kaur Habibullah, educationist Ghazali Sami, and others graced the evening. Literary voices like Sheza Nabi, Sabiha Meraj, Fauzia Rehman, Tasneem Rahman, and Sarah Sami added further gravitas to the gathering.
The unveiling of Neeli Baarish Mumbai turned into a celebration of the city’s multifaceted charm. Speakers at the event lauded Rubina for her ability to conjure images of Rangmanch (theater), architectural marvels, and the enchanting world of Hindi film songs with effortless elegance.
A Book That Transcends Time and Place
Rubina’s works go beyond poetry—they’re a journey into a Bombay of yesteryears, where dreams, culture, and creativity thrived in harmony. Her free-flowing verses challenge the transitory nature of love in modern times, inviting readers to revel in the beauty of permanence and artistic legacy.
For those who couldn’t attend the event, the book is available on Amazon. Moreover, Rubina invites her audience to join her creative universe through her YouTube channel, Rubina’s Cafe, which offers a visual and auditory extension of her literary work.
An Evening to Remember
The evening at Lucknow Farmer’s Market wasn’t merely a book launch—it was a theatrical ode to love, art, and culture. As the city’s book lovers mingled, the event reaffirmed the timeless appeal of poetry in bridging past and present, dreams and reality. Rubina Hasan Sami’s Neeli Baarish Mumbai promises to be a beacon for those yearning for stories that evoke nostalgia, romance, and a touch of magic.
