Oh Pehli Mohabbat, a poetic journey from love to devotion, is not just a poetry book, but a soulful connection between eras, emotions, and universal truths. Oh Pehli Mohabbat is written by the renowned poet Shammi Jalandhari and was published by Cafe World Publications in 2025. This latest collection, written by Shammi Jalandhari, invites readers into a world where love and divinity intersect, and emotion and reflection merge. The use of the Punjabi language in its pure classical form in this book makes it truly exceptional for the readers. Shammi brings back the rich vocabulary that was used in the poetry of saints, the streets of Lahore, and the hearts of undivided Punjab.
Shammi Jalandhari is a poet, lyricist, and soul writer whose words have touched the world of books, music, and cinema. He is famous for his previous poetry collections such as Pehli Barish, Ishq Mera Sultan, and others. His lyrics have been brought to life by celebrated voices including Nooran Sisters, Yakoob, Sunil Singh Dogra, Hargun Kaur, Zohaib Naeem Babar, and others. He has also worked with Mukhtar Sahota, a renowned British composer who mixes different world music styles with meaningful and poetic lyrics. With Oh Pehli Mohabbat, published by Cafe World Publications, Shammi offers his most powerful work yet — a lyrical journey that brings the past to life and helps the present heal.
Read Also: Shammi Jalandhari Started His Journey as a Poet
One of Punjab’s most celebrated voices, Gurlez Akhtar, will soon release a song based on poetry from this very book, with music masterfully composed by Sunraj Singh. The mix of heartfelt lyrics and emotional singing is sure to impress both poetry and music fans. In another special tribute to his words, famous classical singer Ustad Mohammad Ali will perform verses from “Oh Pehli Mohabbat” in an upcoming live show.
This is a special event where beautiful poetry and classical music come together on stage. Famous classical singer Mohammad Ali will perform live, singing poems from Shammi Jalandhari’s well-known book Oh Pehli Mohabbat. The concert will be full of emotion and artistic beauty, as Mohmmad Ali brings Shammi Jalandhari’s heartfelt words to life through his powerful voice. It will be a beautiful evening where poetry meets to create a moving experience for the audience.
Sample Verses From “Oh Pehli Mohabbat”
“Hamd khudai ishq de sajde, Noor ilaahi dullhya sir te
Itraan de naal bhariyaan akhaan, Alaf da akhar parhde parhde”
These lines use words like Hamd, Noor, Alif — rich Sufi-inspired vocabulary that once defined spiritual poetry in pre-Partition Punjab.
“Je koi kafir dushman de vī mallham-pattī banne,
Fark nahi painda, phir oh Rabb nu manne ja na manne.”
If someone becomes balm even to their enemy, it no longer matters whether they believe in God — humanity becomes their faith.
“Na sooraj sitaare chiraagaan da chanan,
Liaqat de mangia kitaaban da chanan”
No light from the sun, stars, or lamps holds meaning if wisdom from sacred books has not illuminated the soul.
“Oh Pehli Mohabbat” is a poetic experience that goes beyond love and desires. It is deep-rooted in the idea that true spirituality lies in humanity, and that faith without sympathy is incomplete. The poetry touches Sufi thoughts, deep emotions, and universal truth. Shammi didn’t use his emotions in his latest collection, but also uses historical vocabulary and poetic rhythm, keeping alive the tone that is fading slowly.
