Later, the Bombay Samachar , another Gujarati newspaper, also published some of Huma's compositions. The poetic themes were invariably spiritual, emphasizing virtues over vices and the forces of good over evil. His poems spoke of the mystical Sufi tavern or wineshop, and described spiritual longing, divine madness and God-intoxication. Although still a teenager, Merwan possessed deep wisdom and insight.
If for any reason there was a delay, or an article or poem was not submitted for publication, the readers clamored for more, and the editor even sent Merwan a concerned letter of inquiry — a tribute to the soul-stirring ability of Merwan's writing. The popularity of his renderings can be gauged from the fact that once during a visit to Bombay in Kalbadevi (locality), Baily overheard some Parsi youths in a music shop singing one of Merwan's Urdu ghazals titled "Money — Alas, Money!" The boys were singing the lyrics with such zest, while dancing, that some of the pedestrians stopped to listen. Merwan's writings also drew praise from several scholars who wrote letters to the newspaper editors in appreciation of Huma's achievements. (Had they known that a teenager had written these poems, they would have been even more impressed!)
Merwan was also drawn to drama and would act in plays at school as well as participating in the local Y.M.C.A. (Young Men's Christian Association) productions. He played his roles so brilliantly that he won prizes for his performances several times. On one occasion at St. Vincent's, he acted in a play titled Here She Goes, There She Goes , for which he was given a standing ovation. Jamshed would also take part in the school plays and the two brothers would frequently rehearse together.
