SHARJAH, UAE- The enduring power of poetry and film songs to capture human emotions, preserve memories and connect generations took centre stage at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), as acclaimed Malayalam lyricists B.K. Harinarayanan and P.K. Gopi explored their relationship with language and the written word.
During the session ‘When Poetry Becomes a Song’, the two poets discussed how simple emotions can inspire memorable lyrics and why musical tastes continue to evolve across generations.
Harinarayanan, a recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist, urged audiences to respect the musical preferences of younger generations, describing them as fearless and confident in expressing their choices.
Referring to a popular Malayalam children’s song about a crow and its nest, he observed that a child today might prefer the crow to conventionally beautiful birds, finding beauty even in its distinctive call.
He also cited Malayalam rapper Vedan, known for his socially conscious lyrics, as an example of how younger audiences embrace diverse musical styles and forms of expression.
Gopi, whose lyrics were popular in Malayalam cinema during the 1990s, compared language to the sea, with its seemingly endless supply of fish and precious pearls hidden beneath the surface.
“Only if the pearls exist, the future generations can fish for it. The beauty of songs and poetry will continue to keep language immortal,” he said.
Both lyricists emphasised that preserving and promoting mother tongues is essential to maintaining cultural identity and passing literary traditions to future generations. Their discussion explored how poetry and music allow language to evolve while retaining its capacity to express emotions and shared experiences.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour. The fair brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 guests from 25 countries.
