In the vibrant world of Indian storytelling, Zakir Khan is often hailed for his comedic "Sakht Launda" persona. Yet, beneath the humor lies a profound shayar capable of weaving words that pierce the soul. His masterpiece, "Main Shoonya Pe Sawar Hoon" (I am riding on zero), is not just a poem; it is an anthem for the broken, the lonely, and the incredibly resilient.
Embracing the Void: Visualizing the philosophy of 'Shoonya' and infinite potential.
Main Shoonya Pe Sawar Hoon Meaning in Simple Words
In simple terms, "Main Shoonya Pe Sawar Hoon" means a person who has reached a stage where fear, loss, and social judgment no longer control them. Shoonya (zero) represents a psychological state where nothing is left to lose, and that makes the individual unstoppable. It is about transforming emptiness into your greatest weapon.
Much like the valor depicted in Jhansi Ki Rani by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Zakir’s poem evokes a different kind of bravery—the courage to embrace one's own void. While poets like Rahgir use satire to highlight societal flaws in works like Aadmi Chutiya Hai, Zakir turns the gaze inward, exploring the universe within the self.
मैं शून्य पे सवार हूँ (Hindi Lyrics)
मैं शून्य पे सवार हूँ
बेअदब सा मैं खुमार हूँ
अब मुश्किलों से क्या डरूं
मैं खुद कहर हज़ार हूँ
मैं शून्य पे सवार हूँ...
उंच-नीच से परे
मजाल आँख में भरे
मैं लड़ रहा हूँ रात से
मशाल हाथ में लिए
न सूर्य मेरे साथ है
तो क्या नयी ये बात है
वो शाम होता ढल गया
वो रात से था डर गया
मैं जुगनुओं का यार हूँ
मैं शून्य पे सवार हूँ
भावनाएं मर चुकीं
संवेदनाएं खत्म हैं
अब दर्द से क्या डरूं
ज़िन्दगी ही ज़ख्म है
मैं बीच रह की मात हूँ
बेजान-स्याह रात हूँ
मैं काली का श्रृंगार हूँ
मैं शून्य पे सवार हूँ
हूँ राम का सा तेज मैं
लंकापति सा ज्ञान हूँ
किस की करूं आराधना
सब से जो मैं महान हूँ
ब्रह्माण्ड का मैं सार हूँ
मैं जल-प्रवाह निहार हूँ
मैं शून्य पे सवार हूँ...
Main Shoonya Pe Sawar Hoon (Roman Lyrics)
Main shunya pe sawar hoon
Beadab sa main khumaar hoon
Ab mushkilon se kya daroon
Main khud kahar hazaar hoon
Main shunya pe sawar hoon
Oonch-neech se pare
Majaal aankh mein bhare
Main lad raha hoon raat se
Mashaal haath mein liye
Na surya mere saath hai
To kya nayi ye baat hai
Wo shaam hota dhal gaya
Wo raat se tha dar gaya
Main jugnuon ka yaar hoon
Main shunya pe sawar hoon
Bhavnayein mar chuki
Sanvednayein khatam hain
Ab dard se kya daroon
Zindagi hi zakhm hai
Main beech raah ki maat hoon
Bejaan syah raat hoon
Main Kaali ka shringaar hoon
Main shoonya pe sawar hoon
Hoon Ram ka sa tej main
Lankapati sa gyan hoon
Kiski karoon aradhana
Sab se jo main mahaan hoon
Brahmand ka main saar hoon
Main jal-pravah nihaar hoon
Main shoonya pe sawar hoon...
*Lyrics provided for educational analysis and commentary purposes only. All rights belong to the artist.
Deep Analysis: The Meaning Behind the Words
Zakir Khan's delivery style—often casual yet intensely emotional—masks the profound philosophical depth of these lines. Let's break down the core metaphors:
"Mashaal Haath Mein Liye": Fighting darkness with internal light.
1. The Concept of 'Shoonya' (The Void)
"Shoonya" usually means zero or nothingness. Here, Zakir suggests a state of liberation. When you have lost everything, or when you detach yourself from the fear of loss, you ride upon 'Shoonya'. It is not a state of weakness, but of ultimate power. This philosophical detachment mirrors the themes found in Sufi poetry, such as the spinning of the Charkha (Wheel of Life), where the rhythm of existence transcends material worries.
2. "Main Jugnuon Ka Yaar Hoon" (Friend of Fireflies)
This line signifies self-reliance. The poet isn't waiting for the "Sun" (fortune, big help, or destiny) to guide him. He is content fighting the darkness (struggles) with his own small torch (Mashaal) and the company of fireflies (small hopes). It is a stark contrast to the dependency often criticized in political satires like Main Nahin Manta by Habib Jalib.
3. The Duality: Ram and Ravan
"Hoon Ram ka sa tej main, Lankapati sa gyan hoon" is the poem's climax. Zakir embraces the duality of human nature. He claims to have the radiance of Lord Ram (righteousness) and the immense knowledge of Ravana (ego/intellect). By accepting both, he becomes complete ("Mahaan"), negating the need for external worship. This acceptance of one's multifaceted nature is a theme explored across centuries, from ancient texts to the various Eras of English Literature where tragic heroes often embodied both greatness and flaws.
4. "Main Kali Ka Shringaar Hoon"
Referencing Goddess Kali—the deity of time and destruction—the poet identifies himself as her adornment (the garland of skulls). This suggests he has conquered the fear of death. He is the aftermath, the residue, the ultimate truth.
Watch Zakir Khan Recite the Poem Live
Video Courtesy: Jashn-e-Rekhta / YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'Main Shoonya Pe Sawar Hoon'?
The central theme is resilience born from 'nothingness'. It speaks of a person who has moved beyond societal judgments, fear of failure, and the need for external validation. It is a celebration of self-reliance.
Is Zakir Khan a professional poet?
While primarily known as a stand-up comedian, Zakir Khan comes from a lineage of classical musicians and writers. He frequently performs Shayari and poetry in his shows and on platforms like Zakir Khan Live.
What does "Lankapati sa Gyan" refer to?
It refers to Ravana (the King of Lanka) from the Ramayana. Despite being the antagonist, Ravana was known for his immense knowledge of the Vedas. Zakir uses this to show that he possesses both intellect (Ravana) and righteousness (Ram).