Meet this budding poet who is a big fan of Gulzar

Many argue that most poets and writers are a bit shy or introverted somewhere in their nature. It may or may not be entirely true. But what certainly is, that poets and writers surely have a lot more to share in their heart.

Meet Shruti Kumari, a budding poet from Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), who has penned down a woefully beautiful poem on heartbreak. The poem titled Avshesh highlights how the lover remains, as the remains, once the magic hour of love dwindles away. 

Selected as the Poet of the Week, let us know about how Shruti is able to weave her emotions into ideas and words so articulately and effortlessly. 

Read edited excerpts from the interview:

Shruti, what age did your tryst with poetry begin?

At the age of 17, I started writing poetry. I am introverted as a person, so writing became my best friend on bad days. It helped me not only express myself but also understand myself better. 

That’s nice to know! So what inspires you as a poet?

The chaos of my mind inspires me the most towards writing poems. I love expressing it in words, that I feel is where the art happens. 

Tell us the thought behind your poem: Avshesh?

The poem describes the feelings of loneliness and the struggle of that lone phase in our life. This poem also speaks about the sacrifices that we generally make when we are in love. All those who have lived and loved will relate to it surely.

Who inspires you the most as a poet and what is your favourite poem?

Gulzar ji is my favourite poet and my favourite poem of his is वक़्त को आते न जाते न गुज़रते देखा ।

For all those interested in the craft, it is a must read or listen. It will surely catch your heart.

Now the all time question: Rhyme or free verse?

Free verse because it helps me to write every thought that I think and also gives me the creativity to explore other topics. 

 What do you prefer: writing poems in the day or night?

I write whenever I feel like it. There is not a proper time about writing, it’s all about your thought process and your creativity.

How does AIMC help you to write such lovely poems?

AIMC is a place full of peace, and the different personalities of people here unveil different stories. This helps me with my writing themes along with having those little spots of sitting areas where I get creative thoughts.

How do you approach writing a poem? How much time does it take you? What are your common writing themes?

I collect my thoughts about the topic and it takes a lot more time than writing itself. Proper writing doesn’t take much time when you know what you want to write. I’m not limited to some themes as a writer. I like to explore different topics and thoughts.  

And finally, the best thing about writing poetry for you?

Best thing is that when you write, it helps as a therapy because you write and vent out your feelings in a constructive manner. It helps you to become creative, see the world with different perspectives and gain more ideas. It also helps you to understand the other person’s feelings. 

And the habit of writing makes you calm and composed and you start observing new things about yourself.