Whenever the clouds of pain and sadness loomed,

Whenever tears came till the eyelashes,
Whenever this lonely heart got scared,
I told my heart, Oh Heart, why do you cry?
This is what happens in this world…

This deep silence…the world has distributed it to everyone,
Some sadness is a part of everyone's life,
Some sunshine is a part of everyone's life,
Your eyes are wet without any reason,
Every second is a new season,
Why do you let go of such priceless moments?
Oh Heart, why do you cry? 

Oh! This majestic pearl of a poem from Javed Akhtar.

One cannot but think of the wise man whenever one mentions the art form poetry. His words captivate, throwing us into realms of extreme emotional pang, making us understand the higher realities of life. Only when you can reach the deep recesses of your soul and mind, can you understand the true purpose of life and attain unbound success.

One such man of success, who apart from being an actor par excellence, is also a philosopher and poet in heart. We are talking about young Shakti Arora, who is now a household name and a TV heartthrob, thanks to his portrayal of Ranveer in Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi (Colors).

Going down the poetic memory lane, Shakti talks about his take on poems, shayaris, love, Tata Sky’s new service Actve Javed and lot more. A must read interview.

We feel that life without poetry would be incomplete…your thoughts?

Yes of course. I feel a little drama is needed in one’s life. And poetry does add that much needed drama.

Do you have interest in poetry and shayari?

A lot, especially in shayaris.

Have you ever written/recited a poem or a shayari to profess your love for someone?

Many times (laughs).

In this day and age – where people have lost interest in poetry and that kind of romance, how do you stay connected to shayari/poetry?

I think pyaar logon ko shayar bana deta hai. Although I don’t have time now to think about poetry and romance, if one has a good equation with his loved ones, poetry automatically flows in his life. 

 Who is your favorite shayar or poet?

I enjoy works of most of the poets. Words are more important than the writer, I feel.

Did you know that Tata Sky & Javed Akhtar saab have recently launched Actve Javed Akhtar service on Tata Sky to bring back the golden era of poetry? Your comments on it?

Yes, I have heard about it. I think it’s a good learning platform for the youth. The show has the uniqueness to connect.

Poetry is considered as the art of conveying what the heart feels? You express with your heart or mind?

Heart, all the time.

Javed Akhtar is a magician with the pen. Any favourite song or poem of his you remember/like?

The poem in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, “Dilon mein tum apni betaabiyan leke chal rahe ho toh zinda ho tum…” is my all time favourite. It’s a beautiful composition and really a heart touching one.

To end, kuch irshaad kijiye…

I just read this somewhere, so quoting it:

Maana ke teri aankhein kayanat se kam nahi,

Maana ke teri aankhein kayanat se kam nahi..

Par mujhse nazar milaye , unmein itni dum nahi.

For those who are fans of Urdu Shayari and spiritual dohas, check out ‘Actve Javed Akhtar’, the latest offering from Tata Sky.