Qaisarul Jafri

Biography

Qaisarul Jafri was a poet who gave voice to deep emotions and subtle expressions of longing in modern Urdu poetry. Born as Qazi Syed Zubair Ahmed Jafri in 1926 in Allahabad, he grew up learning Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. These early influences shaped his poetic style, giving his verses both lyrical elegance and a touch of classical depth.

In 1949, he shifted to Mumbai, a city that offered him a vibrant cultural environment. Here he began shaping his literary identity and took active part in mushairas and literary circles. His work soon gained attention for its soulful imagery and emotional sincerity. His ghazal “Divaron se mil kar rona achcha lagta hai” became widely appreciated, reflecting his ability to blend simplicity with profound sentiment.

Over the years, Qaisarul Jafri published several collections. Rang-e-Hina (1964) brought him recognition for its delicate expression of longing and memory. Sang-e-Aashna (1977) and Chiragh-e-Haram (1997) continued to strengthen his reputation. His later collection Agar Darya Mila Hota (2005) showed his mature reflections on solitude and the search for meaning. After his passing, Charagh-e-Hira was published in 2012, adding to his legacy.

The themes of his poetry often revolved around human vulnerability, nostalgia, and the struggle between inner silence and outer expression. He remained a familiar name in mushairas, where his recitations resonated deeply with audiences. While details of formal awards are scarce, his contribution was widely acknowledged among Urdu scholars and admirers of poetry.

Qaisarul Jafri passed away in 2005 in Mumbai, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be recited and remembered. His place in Urdu literature rests on the sincerity of his voice and the timeless quality of his ghazals, which still touch the hearts of readers today.