Loneliness, Solitude & Grief

Quick Facts<ul><li>Born: December 27, 1797; Agra, Mughal India</li><li> Died: February 15, 1869; Delhi, British India</li><li> Pen Name: Ghalib</li><li> Full Name: Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan</li><li> Notable Awards: Not applicable (pre-modern era)</li><li> Profession: Poet, Court Scholar</li><li> Languages Known: Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Turkish</li><li> Spouse: Umrao Begum</li><li> Children: All seven children died in infancy</li><li> Known For: Urdu ghazals, Persian poetry, philosophical style</li></ul>Mirza Ghalib is often regarded as the soul of Urdu poetry. His verses have travelled across centuries, reaching hearts that understand loss, longing, and the mysteries of existence. Ghalib made the ghazal into something more than a love poem. He turned it into a window into the human soul.Born as Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan in Agra in 1797, Ghalib came from a noble family with Turkish roots. After losing both his parents at an early age, he was raised by his uncle. He started writing poetry as a young teenager and soon took the pen name Ghalib, which means "victorious."He moved to Delhi, where he spent most of his life. Though he struggled with money, his intellect and sharp wit earned him respect in elite circles. He was fluent in Persian and Urdu, and he considered Persian to be the more sophisticated of the two. However, it was his Urdu poetry, collected in Diwan-e-Ghalib, that captured the hearts of readers and made him a literary icon.Ghalib’s poetry was deeply layered. He wrote about love and pain, but also about fate, faith, and the meaning of life. He often reflected on human contradictions, questioned rigid beliefs, and expressed a constant search for meaning. His style was known for its elegance, its cleverness, and its emotional honesty.He married Umrao Begum at a young age, but their family life was marked by tragedy. They had seven children, all of whom died in infancy. This grief shaped much of his later poetry, adding depth and sadness to his verses.Ghalib lived through the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British power in India. The Revolt of 1857 devastated Delhi, a city he loved deeply. These events left him bitter and reflective, but he continued writing with courage and clarity.He died in 1869 in Delhi. During his lifetime, he did not achieve widespread fame. But today, his words are recited at poetry gatherings, quoted in films and books, and studied by lovers of literature across the world.Ghalib did not just write poetry. He revealed the struggles of the human heart in a way that still feels true.

Quick Facts<ul><li>Born: February 13, 1911; Sialkot, British India</li><li> Died: November 20, 1984; Lahore, Pakistan</li><li> Pen Name: Faiz</li><li> Full Name: Faiz Ahmad Faiz</li><li> Notable Awards: Lenin Peace Prize (1962), Nishan-e-Imtiaz (posthumously)</li><li> Profession: Poet, Journalist, Editor, Teacher</li><li> Languages Known: Urdu, Punjabi, Persian, English</li><li> Spouse: Alys Faiz (British-born Pakistani activist)</li><li> Children: Two daughters – Salima and Muneeza</li></ul>Faiz Ahmad Faiz is often remembered as the voice of resistance in Urdu poetry. Born in Sialkot in 1911, the same city that gave birth to Allama Iqbal, Faiz grew up in an intellectually rich environment. His father was a respected lawyer and scholar who kept the house full of books, poetry, and conversations that shaped young Faiz’s worldview.He studied English and Arabic literature at Government College, Lahore, and then pursued a Master’s in philosophy. He taught for a while, then served in the British Indian Army during World War II, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. But poetry kept calling.After Partition, Faiz became the editor of The Pakistan Times and later one of the most influential literary figures in the country. His verses carried the heartbeat of the oppressed, the poor, and those longing for justice. Poems like "Hum Dekhenge", "Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat", and "Bol" became anthems for protest movements, not only in Pakistan but across the world.In 1951, Faiz was arrested in the Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case, accused of plotting a coup against the government. He spent four years in prison, where he wrote some of his most powerful poetry. Even behind bars, his words remained gentle, filled with hope, and grounded in humanity.Faiz was married to Alys George, a British-born woman who stood beside him through thick and thin. She converted to Islam and took the name Alys Faiz. Together, they raised two daughters. Alys was his anchor and often helped him type and edit his work. Their partnership was built on shared ideals of justice and equality.Though he was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the Soviet Union, Faiz always said he belonged to no nation or party, he belonged to the people. His poetry continues to echo in protests, classrooms, and hearts even today.Faiz wasn’t just a poet. He was a gentle revolutionary. One who believed that even in darkness, poetry could light the way.

Padma Shri

Sahitya Akademi

This verse perhaps reflects the deep emotional void left by someone’s departure.&nbsp; While the act of saying goodbye seemed straightforward, shaayar Fazli is struck by the realization that the person leaving has taken more than their physical presence — they have taken away the essence of home itself.&nbsp; This sher seems metaphorically to represent how someone's absence can strip away the warmth, comfort, or life from the environment they left behind.

Quick Facts<ul><li>Born: January 12, 1931; Kohat, British India (now in Pakistan)</li><li> Died: August 25, 2008; Islamabad, Pakistan</li><li> Pen Name: Ahmad Faraz</li><li> Full Name: Syed Ahmad Shah</li><li> Notable Awards: Sitara-i-Imtiaz (returned), Hilal-i-Imtiaz, posthumous Hilal-e-Pakistan</li><li> Profession: Poet, Professor, Chairman of Pakistan Academy of Letters</li><li> Languages Known: Urdu, Pashto, Persian, English</li><li> Spouse: Amna Faraz</li><li> Children: Shibli Faraz (son, politician)</li></ul>Ahmad Faraz was one of the most beloved Urdu poets of the modern era. Often described as the “second Faiz,” he blended romance, rebellion, and raw honesty in verses that touched both the heart and the conscience.He was born as Syed Ahmad Shah in Kohat in 1931. As a young student, he was drawn to poetry and literature, especially the works of Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Allama Iqbal. While studying in Peshawar, he wrote his first ghazals, and it became clear that a powerful new voice was emerging in Urdu literature.Faraz's poetry was deeply romantic in tone but never shy of addressing political and social issues. His verses often spoke of love lost, longing, and betrayal, but also of injustice, censorship, and freedom. One of his most famous lines, “Ranjish hi sahi, dil hi dukhane ke liye aa,” became a classic, sung by Mehdi Hassan and remembered by generations.Unlike many poets, Faraz was openly critical of authoritarianism. In the 1970s, during General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, he faced political backlash for his bold views. He was arrested, his books were banned, and he eventually went into self-imposed exile. As a sign of protest, he returned the Sitara-i-Imtiaz award he had received from the government.Despite the political pressure, his popularity only grew. Faraz held positions like Chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters and continued to write, publish, and recite his poetry at mushairas across the world. His collections like Tanha Tanha, Be-awaz Gali Kuchon Mein, and Narbada became bestsellers.In his personal life, Ahmad Faraz was married to Amna Faraz, and they had children together. His son, Shibli Faraz, later entered politics and served as a federal minister in Pakistan.Faraz passed away in 2008 in Islamabad, but his voice continues to echo. His poetry is still recited in gatherings, shared on social media, and printed on walls and pages as a symbol of beauty, courage, and expression.Ahmad Faraz believed that poetry should speak for the people. And he lived that belief till his very last breath.

Padma Bhushan

Sahitya Akademi Award

Quick Facts<ul><li>Born: January 17, 1945; Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India</li><li> Pen Name: Javed Akhtar</li><li> Full Name: Javed Akhtar</li><li> Notable Awards: Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2007), 5 National Film Awards, 15 Filmfare Awards</li><li> Profession: Poet, Lyricist, Screenwriter</li><li> Languages Known: Urdu, Hindi, English</li><li> Spouse: Shabana Azmi (actress), formerly married to Honey Irani (screenwriter)</li><li> Children: Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar</li><li> Known For: Iconic film lyrics, screenwriting, literary activism</li></ul>Javed Akhtar is one of India's most respected literary and cinematic voices. His deep understanding of Urdu poetry and his influence on Indian film storytelling have made him a household name.He was born in Gwalior in 1945 to a literary family. His father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was a well-known Urdu poet. Surrounded by books, poetry, and strong ideas, Javed developed a deep love for language and expression. After moving to Mumbai, he faced financial struggles but never gave up on writing.His big breakthrough came when he partnered with Salim Khan, forming the famous Salim–Javed screenwriting team. Together, they changed the face of Hindi cinema with classics like Sholay, Zanjeer, Deewaar, and Don. Their scripts introduced complex characters and bold storytelling that audiences had never seen before.After the duo split, Javed focused on lyric writing. His songs carried meaning, elegance, and emotional depth. He wrote for films like Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Border, and Jodhaa Akbar. Each song reflected his poetic roots and his ability to connect with the audience through everyday language and emotion.Javed was first married to Honey Irani, a talented screenwriter. They had two children, Farhan and Zoya, who both went on to become prominent voices in Indian cinema. Later, Javed married actress Shabana Azmi, and together they became one of India’s most respected artistic couples.Apart from his film work, Javed Akhtar is known for speaking on social justice, democracy, and secularism. He often uses poetry to share his views on modern India and the responsibilities of artists in society.Even today, Javed Akhtar continues to inspire. Whether through a song, a poem, or a powerful speech, his voice remains thoughtful, sharp, and deeply human.

The shaayar seems to point to the sense of indifference, a certain callousness on part of the beloved who seems to prize his own physical needs above her emotional well-being. While the beloved, the shaayar complains, does understand the reason for her inner turmoil, he seems to have neither the inclination nor the patience to address and resolve it.&nbsp;This creates a striking contrast between the need for a soulful connection and the beloved’s willingness to settle for something simpler, easier: the physical. The poet seems caught in a state of both appreciation and disappointment: appreciation for the beloved’s awareness of her inner conflict, and disappointment that such understanding does not translate into a deeper bond. This adds a layer of unspoken tragedy to the relationship, pointing to angst and anguish that are understood but remain unaddressed.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

India Commemorative Stamp

Quick Facts<ul><li>Born: October 1, 1919; Sultanpur, United Provinces, British India</li><li> Died: May 24, 2000; Mumbai, India</li><li> Pen Name: Majrooh Sultanpuri</li><li> Full Name: Asrar ul Hassan Khan</li><li> Notable Awards: Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1993), Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist (1965)</li><li> Profession: Poet, Lyricist</li><li> Languages Known: Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, Persian</li><li> Spouse: Amina</li><li> Children: Five, including Tabrez Khan (musician)</li><li> Known For: Bollywood lyrics, progressive poetry, Urdu ghazals</li></ul>Majrooh Sultanpuri was one of the most iconic lyricists in Indian cinema and a respected figure in Urdu poetry. His journey began far from the film world, in a town called Sultanpur, where he was born in 1919 into a traditional Muslim family.He trained to become a Unani doctor but poetry always pulled him in a different direction. His early ghazals earned attention at mushairas, where audiences were drawn to his beautiful language and rhythm. It was at one of these gatherings in Bombay that filmmaker A.R. Kardar noticed him and introduced him to music director Naushad.Majrooh’s first break came with the film Shahjehan in 1946. After that, there was no looking back. He wrote songs for hundreds of films, working with every major composer of the time. Whether it was romantic, playful, philosophical, or patriotic, his words always carried clarity and soul.Songs like Chura Liya Hai Tumne, Papa Kehte Hain, and Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe are still remembered. But beyond cinema, Majrooh was a serious poet involved in the Progressive Writers' Movement. He believed poetry should raise its voice against injustice and inequality. In 1949, he was imprisoned for a year for writing verses critical of the government.Despite the fame and glamour of the film world, Majrooh never let go of his literary roots. He continued publishing poetry, attending mushairas, and engaging with serious readers. His writing kept evolving with time, but it always stayed true to his values.He was married to Amina and had five children. His son, Tabrez Khan, followed a creative path as a musician. Majrooh continued writing lyrics well into the 1990s, remaining relevant across decades and generations.He passed away in 2000 at the age of 80. Even today, his words are sung with joy, quoted in love, and remembered with respect.Majrooh Sultanpuri proved that a poet’s heart can live both in literature and on the silver screen, without ever losing its truth.

Jnanpith

Commemorative Stamp India

Quick Facts<ul><li>Born: March 8, 1921; Ludhiana, British India</li><li> Died: October 25, 1980; Mumbai, India</li><li> Pen Name: Sahir Ludhianvi</li><li> Full Name: Abdul Hayee</li><li> Notable Awards: Padma Shri (1971), Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist (1964, 1977)</li><li> Profession: Poet, Lyricist</li><li> Languages Known: Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi</li><li> Marital Status: Never married</li><li> Known For: Socialist and romantic poetry, iconic Bollywood lyrics</li></ul>Sahir Ludhianvi wasn’t just a poet. He was a storm in verse. Born as Abdul Hayee in Ludhiana in 1921, he adopted “Sahir” as his pen name, meaning “magician”—and that’s exactly what he became with words. Raised by a single mother after a troubled family separation, Sahir’s deep respect for women and disdain for oppression found its roots early in life.He began writing poetry as a student and quickly made a name for himself in Lahore’s literary circles. His first collection, Talkhiyan (Bitterness), made it clear—this was not a poet of empty romance. He wrote of class struggle, heartbreak, capitalism, war, and revolution. Even love, when he wrote about it, came laced with longing and social commentary.After Partition, Sahir moved to India and eventually settled in Mumbai, where he became one of the most sought-after lyricists in Hindi cinema. But he was never just writing for a paycheck. He insisted that songwriters get screen credit, fought for fair royalties, and remained fiercely independent throughout his career.His lyrics for films like Pyaasa, Kabhi Kabhie, Phir Subah Hogi, Taj Mahal, and Naya Daur are still considered some of the best poetry ever written for the screen. With composers like S.D. Burman and Ravi, Sahir created timeless songs that made people think, feel, and question.Though many admired him, Sahir remained emotionally distant. He never married, though his close friendship and rumored love for singer Sudha Malhotra, and earlier, writer Amrita Pritam, have been the subject of much speculation. Amrita, in particular, wrote openly about her unrequited love for Sahir, describing how he would sit silently, smoking, while she collected the cigarette stubs just to feel close to him.Sahir lived alone, in a modest home in Mumbai’s Bandra, surrounded by books, silence, and poetry. He died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 59, leaving behind a legacy that still stirs hearts.Sahir Ludhianvi didn’t just write poetry. He wrote truths that people were too afraid to speak. And somehow, he made them beautiful

Shaayar Badayuni seems to capture the poignant and restless grief of coping with the absence of a loved one. Despite wandering around the house and trying to fill the void left behind, the emptiness remains profound, a metaphor for the irreplaceable and disconsolate loss and longing for the one who has left.

Quick Facts<ul><li>Born: November 24, 1952; Karachi, Pakistan</li><li> Died: December 26, 1994; Islamabad, Pakistan (in a car accident)</li><li> Pen Name: Parveen Shakir</li><li> Full Name: Parveen Shakir Siddiqui</li><li> Notable Awards: Pride of Performance (Posthumous), Adamjee Literary Award</li><li> Profession: Poet, Teacher, Civil Servant</li><li> Languages Known: Urdu, English</li><li> Marital Status: Divorced</li><li> Child: One son, Murad Ali</li><li> Known For: Feminist poetry, romantic expression, modern Urdu voice</li></ul>Parveen Shakir was one of the first poets in Urdu literature to write openly and intimately from a woman’s point of view. Her poetry felt personal, fresh, and deeply emotional. She brought a gentle strength to Urdu verse that hadn’t been seen before.Born in Karachi in 1952, Parveen was drawn to literature from a young age. She earned advanced degrees in English literature and linguistics and even completed a doctorate. She began writing under the pen name "Beena", and by her early twenties, she was already being recognized for her unique voice.Her first poetry collection, Khushbu, took the literary world by surprise. It was lyrical and romantic, yet full of self-reflection and quiet rebellion. Her use of everyday language made the poems feel relatable. More importantly, she introduced the female voice into ghazals and nazms in a way that was bold but never loud. It felt natural, because it was honest.Throughout her life, Parveen balanced her literary journey with a professional career. She worked as a school teacher before joining Pakistan’s civil service, eventually serving as Secretary at the Central Board of Revenue. She remained a respected voice in both literary and bureaucratic circles.Her personal life had its own struggles. She went through a difficult marriage and divorce and raised her only son, Murad Ali, on her own. Despite this, she continued to write and publish collections like Sad-barg, Khud Kalami, and Inkar. Each book showed growth in her themes, moving from youthful love to deeper questions of identity, solitude, and resilience.Parveen passed away in a tragic car accident in 1994, at just 42 years old. The loss was deeply felt across Pakistan and the Urdu-speaking world. Even today, her words are quoted by young lovers, students, and artists searching for truth in delicate emotions.Parveen Shakir’s poetry lives on as a symbol of strength wrapped in softness. She gave countless women the courage to speak through verses.

Brij Narayan Chakbast was a prominent Indian poet, lawyer, and a leading figure in the world of Urdu literature. Born on January 19, 1882, in Faizabad, he moved to Lucknow at an early age following his father’s untimely death. Lucknow’s rich cultural and literary heritage significantly influenced his creative pursuits.Chakbast was a devout Hindu, yet his poetry transcended religious boundaries, capturing themes of patriotism, humanism, and communal harmony. His works reflect a seamless blend of traditional Urdu poetic forms with the contemporary spirit of the Indian freedom movement. He often used Urdu nazms and ghazals to express his deep love for India, making him one of the early pioneers of patriotic Urdu poetry.As a lawyer by profession, Chakbast was known for his integrity and eloquence. Despite his legal career, he remained deeply committed to literature, contributing to prominent journals and participating in literary gatherings (mushairas). His notable works include Subah-e-Watan, a patriotic poem that earned him widespread acclaim.Chakbast passed away at the young age of 44 on February 12, 1926, but his legacy endures as a symbol of unity and cultural confluence. His poetry continues to inspire generations with its progressive ideals and profound artistry. Source: Gen-AI

The _sher_ perhaps presents the profound grief and existential despair of broken love. _Shaayar_ Faruqi reflects on the double punishment of having separated from his beloved; not only is he removed from a world of life, joy, and color but is now thrown into a world of joyless, colorless, meaningless monotony. The beloved represented purpose and beauty, and their absence leaves the poet exiled to a dull, pointless existence. This isn’t just a lament about love lost but also about the void left behind, where even life itself seems stripped of its vibrancy and individuality.

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Ashaar (couplets) on other themes

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Ashaar (couplets) by others

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