Poet Nayab Midha's Bengaluru Show Draws 800+ Despite Cricket Season Competition
While many Bengalureans were engrossed in the opening match of the ongoing cricket season recently, over 800 people gathered for poet Nayab Midha's India tour, immersing themselves in a two-hour evening of storytelling and poetry. The event, held in a packed auditorium, showcased a surprising clash of interests: cricket versus poetry, with the latter proving its strong pull.
Poetry's Enduring Audience Defies Modern Distractions
Nayab Midha, who began writing after a school competition, expressed that the turnout did not surprise her. "It felt like cricket versus poetry, and we still had a packed auditorium. That, to me, only proves that poetry has always had its audience," she says. In an era where attention spans are often criticized as shrinking, Nayab believes the issue lies not with audiences but with the content itself.
"Poetry never went out of trend. We just weren't telling good stories," she explains. "We are all made up of stories — the ones we've heard and the ones we've lived. Poetry speaks to human emotions, and those are universal. That connection keeps listeners engaged without them reaching for their phones."
Recognition for Poets Lags Behind Digital Growth
As poetry increasingly finds space in the digital world, Nayab points out that recognition for poets still lags behind. "Poetry is still seen as niche, and there's hardly any recognition for poets. Anyone can be a storyteller, but being a poet requires a different space," she says. She notes that while poetry is widely used for its emotional pull in campaigns and films, dedicated platforms remain limited.
"People relate to poetry — it works everywhere. But when it comes to giving it a meaningful stage, it's still missing," she adds, highlighting a gap in the entertainment and cultural sectors.
Stage Performance Offers Pure Joy Over Online Pressure
Despite her strong social media presence, Nayab admits she feels more pressure online than on stage. "On stage, I just need to be the best version of myself — and I truly believe I was born for it," she says. "Nothing compares to the thrill of performing a piece for the first time. Over time, the stage has become home — a space I understand, where I feel pure joy."
This contrast underscores her passion for live performances, where she finds authenticity and connection absent in digital interactions.
In summary, Nayab Midha's successful Bengaluru event underscores poetry's resilient appeal, even amid popular distractions like cricket. Her insights call for better storytelling and more platforms to elevate poets, ensuring this art form continues to thrive in modern times.
