Pakistani poet Mubashir Hashmi said that poets do not have to be perpetually sad in a recent teaser for a Geo News podcast [1].
The statement addresses long-standing cultural stereotypes that link poetic creativity with constant sorrow or tragedy. By challenging this notion, Hashmi suggests that the emotional spectrum of a writer is broader than the melancholy often expected by the public.
During the discussion on the Geo News YouTube channel, Hashmi focused on the misconception that sadness is a prerequisite for artistic expression [1]. He said that a poet can experience a variety of emotions without losing their creative capacity, a perspective that pushes back against the romanticized image of the suffering artist.
"Zaroori nahi Shayar humesha udaas hi rahay!" Hashmi said [1].
The comment appeared in a short-form video clip intended to promote a larger podcast conversation. The discussion highlights the tension between public perception and the actual lived experience of contemporary writers in Pakistan [1].
Hashmi's remarks encourage a shift in how society views the mental and emotional state of creators. Rather than viewing sadness as a tool for art, he presents it as one of many possible states of being [1].
“"Zaroori nahi Shayar humesha udaas hi rahay!"”
This statement reflects a broader cultural shift in Pakistan's literary circles, where modern artists are increasingly decoupling mental health struggles and perpetual sadness from the validity of their creative output. By dismantling the 'suffering artist' trope, Hashmi is advocating for a more holistic view of the creator's emotional well-being.
