Parampara Sharma is a Television and Radio Journalism (TVRJ) student at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), Dwarka. However, apart from having the skills to be in front of the camera, Parampara is also excellent in creative writing. Her recent poem ‘Starlight’ demonstrates the same.
Selected as this week’s Apeejay Promising Poet, she takes us through her journey into poetry, her love for Javed Akhtar’s poems and more. Read edited excerpts:
Parampara, when did the tradition of verse touch you?
I spent a long time marveling at how people could weave words into poetry. By the time I became17, I became more fluent in reading and writing, translating my thoughts onto paper no longer felt so elusive. And poetry happened!
What a lovely answer! Any particular inspiration?
When emotions become difficult to express, an artistic blend of words offers a perfect refuge. I find beauty in life’s complexities, and my fascination with deep, expressive writing fuels my passion for poetry. Observing life’s smallest details also often sparks my creativity.
Can you share the idea behind your poem Starlight?
During AIMC’s 2024 ‘We Care’ International Film Festival, I was anchoring Day 2 and wrote a poem reflecting on the lives of differently-abled people. After interacting with them, I felt inspired by their strength and the beauty of their lives, even when lived outside conventional norms.
Excellent thought! So, who are your favorite poets, and what’s a poem you cherish the most?
I deeply admire Javed Akhtar and Gulzar Sahab. One of my favorite poems is “Aakhir Dil Tu Kyu Rota Hai” by Javed Shab from the iconic film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The way this Hindi poem expresses the universality of going through grief and captures the plight of a woeful heart, is spectacular.
Do you prefer rhyme or free verse?
I enjoy both, depending on my mood. Rhyming adds a satisfying rhythm, while free verse offers freedom to explore deeper themes without constraint. I’ve written more rhymed poems, but I find both forms fulfilling.
Are you a daytime or nighttime writer?
I’m both a “night thinker” and a “daydreamer.” Ideas can come anytime, but I usually polish and pen them down at night.
Witty indeed! So, how has Apeejay supported your journey in poetry?
The Apeejay Newsroom website provides an open platform for creativity, without restrictions. The consistent encouragement and guidance from my professors have been invaluable, inspiring me to think beyond the ordinary.
But do tell us how you approach writing a poem, and what themes do you explore?
I don’t have a fixed approach. Some poems take minutes; others linger. For instance, Starlight was completed in just 15 minutes at the AIMC library. My themes vary, depending on the emotion that strikes me at that moment.
Finally, do you share your poetry online or follow poets on social media?
I haven’t posted my poems publicly yet, but I used to contribute to my college magazine. I follow and admire Javed Akhtar’s work, which has had a profound impact on my own writing skills.