Chiragh Hasan Hasrat

Biography

Chiragh Hasan Hasrat was a poet and journalist whose witty style and satirical insight made him a beloved literary figure of his time. Born in Panipat in 1904, he was educated in Delhi and became active in both journalism and poetry at a young age. He had a lively temperament and a sharp pen, qualities that soon distinguished him from more solemn contemporaries.

Hasrat was a master of humor and satire. His ghazals and nazms often carried a playful tone, yet beneath the laughter there was sharp commentary on social contradictions. He could point out political hypocrisy, bureaucratic inefficiency, and cultural pretensions while still keeping his audience entertained. In this way, he made poetry accessible, relevant, and enjoyable to ordinary readers.

Beyond poetry, Hasrat was an active journalist. He wrote columns in leading Urdu newspapers where his humorous essays became immensely popular. His prose combined wit with clear-eyed analysis, showing that satire could be both entertaining and constructive.

After Partition, he migrated to Pakistan and settled in Lahore, where he continued to write and take part in mushairas. He became known as one of the bright voices of the new country’s literary culture, reminding people that literature could still smile even in times of difficulty.

He passed away in 1955, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, intelligence, and charm. Chiragh Hasan Hasrat remains an important figure in Urdu literature, admired for keeping humor alive and sharp in both poetry and prose.