Ishraq Shah is a story teller, this is how I know him. He makes the most modest situation very captivating by analyzing things uniquely. This makes him a prolific writer who feels deeply about things and with his clear vision writes in flawless Urdu and Hindi language.
His grip on Urdu language makes him use the precise words which touches a cord in the heart and the soul and one starts to relate to his poetry as we all have experienced those emotions but cannot give them words the way he does.
His uninhibited satirical take on contemporary issues is impressive and has an equally facile pen on emotions called life.His creativity is not only confined to writing but he has directed films touching topics like politics, gender empowerment etc
Being a student and then an assistant to Gulzar sahib he polished his literary skills. Another part of him is his romantic nature which makes him an explorer a learner and a nurturer. Separation from his beloved made him dive deeper within his own feelings of melancholy.
Awakening at night is a result of his experience with heart breaking, longing and solitude, he compares the night to a long period of separation, hopelessness and awakening to a ray of hope to see a glimpse of his beloved.
I wish Ishraq and this book a huge success and look forward to reading his next book HOW YOU CANNOT BECOME A FILM DIRECTOR which is a witty satire on the film industry and AWAKENING AT NIGHT-2 IN 2018.
-By Anonymous
English translation by Sabbeer Ahmed