“I Have Written Love”: Poet-Lyricist Aalok Shrivastav on the Art and Devotion of Ishq

“What are destinations, what is the path—if you have courage, what is distance?”
These lines capture both love and bravery, qualities that define the celebrated poet, lyricist, and TV journalist Aalok Shrivastav. In his creations, love—or ishq—is reflected not only for the beloved but also for the divine. In the series “Maine Ishq Likha” (I Have Written Love), Shrivastav shares the essence of his ishq and the philosophy behind it.

Love as Devotion
Asked what ishq means to him, Shrivastav explains:
“In my view, love is a form of devotion that you don’t pursue to gain something, but to surrender yourself completely. Just as one worships in a temple, my love is that same surrender.”
His song “Ye Ishq Kya Hai” from the film Vodka Diary reflects every hue of ishq and has won widespread acclaim.

When Did You First Experience Ishq?
Shrivastav regards love as a form of devotion, lived, written, and shared with sincerity. “The first love of my life was in childhood—through my writing—when I received my mother’s first praise and encouragement. Since then, I have lived in that same love every day,” he says.

The Mind Behind the Words
A creative mind is always hungry for its art, and Shrivastav’s passion for writing is no exception. His work has garnered overwhelming appreciation from readers and listeners alike, and his live show “Aloknama” has gained popularity both in India and abroad. “I always aim to write something better than before,” he says.

Romance That Resonates
When asked about the demand for romantic writing, Shrivastav emphasizes authenticity: “Those who write according to demand are not truly writing. When you write from the heart, you capture the hearts of your audience. I am fortunate that readers and listeners relate to what I write.” He strives to present his thoughts in simple, accessible language, earning genuine compliments and feedback.

Timeless Ishq
While age and experience may change one’s perspective, Shrivastav insists that ishq remains constant. “If love changes with time, can it really be called love?” he reflects.

His Most Popular Lines
Among his widely loved verses, Shrivastav highlights:

“For ages, let it remain unknown to me Let nothing seem too perfect I have only seen you with the eyes That you may never notice.”

He concludes,
“The love I write, the love I feel—what I truly care for is that the one I love remains unaware of it.”

Aalok Shrivastav’s words reveal that ishq is deeply personal, devotional, and timeless—an emotion that transcends the ordinary, touching hearts with subtle, unspoken intensity.