F.P. Report
LAHORE: Seems like a modern-day model with chiseled cheeks and dense beard, yes, this is the artificial intelligence’s rendition of the beacon of Urdu poetry Mirza Asad Ullah Khan Ghalib, recreated by a fan. It definitely is a perfect treat for the students who have been reading, not to mention struggling with, Urdu poetry since school. But, is it accurate enough? Let’s find out.
Since there have always been talks of rejuvenating Urdu language in Pakistan in the contemporary era, thanks to the declining quality of Urdu language written in national newspapers and shared on other popular mediums of communication, this image, shared by Raheel Farooq, poet and creator of the most attractive Urdu language personal blog on the internet, on Facebook proves that if paid genuine heed, Urdu is set to flourish.Take a look at the website and Youtube channel, and you will know there are people who are heads-up with the ambition of glorifying Urdu with critically acclaimed poetry and modern day means. Artificial intelligence is one of them.
Everyone in Pakistan and other parts of the world where people speak and understand Urdu knows who Ghalib is. Even Ghalib says himself in a couplet “Puchte hain wo ki Ghalib kaun hai .. Koi batlao ki hum batlain kya [They want to know who Ghalib is, Will anyone tell or should I do it myself?]” and he did it in a way that even contemporary poets struggle to develop an expression like him.
Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869) was an Urdu poet who is credited with introducing new dimensions to the Urdu poetry that are still relevant and envied. His poetry leaves a lasting impression on the minds of his readers as, broadly stating, it delves deeper into the human psyche. Moreover, as expression makes writings – especially poetry – evergreen, Ghalib takes his readers into a world where it even sometimes feels to be opening new maps of meanings. As Noon Meem Rashid writes “Harf aur Ma’ani key rishta hay aahan se aadmi hai wabasta [Man is known by the unbreakable bond of words and their meanings he holds inside]. Ghalib surely knew how to keep the bond strong by providing his readers with words that aren’t just words.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has not only transformed the world of technology but it has also revolutionized the world of arts. The contemporary times have seen an upsurge in the use of computer algorithms to recreate the images of famous historical personalities including ancient Egypt’s pharoahs. This time, the AI’s recreation of the Urdu poetry maestro Mirza Asad Ullah Khan Ghalib has surfaced the internet, and it has left the lovers of Urdu poetry in awe.
