Behzad Lakhnavi

Biography

Behzad Lakhnavi, born Sardar Hussain Khan in 1900, grew up in the culturally rich city of Lucknow. From an early age, he showed a natural gift for poetry, reciting his verses in mushairas while still a child. His upbringing in a family with literary traditions shaped his poetic voice and gave him a strong grounding in the art of Urdu poetry.

Before pursuing literature full time, Behzad worked in the Indian Railways. His career took a new turn when he became associated with All India Radio, where he was encouraged to write and present poetry to a wide audience. After the partition of India, he migrated to Karachi and continued his association with Radio Pakistan, where he wrote plays, recited naats, and contributed scripts.

Behzad’s poetry covered a wide spectrum. He wrote ghazals, nazms, naats, geets, stories, and novels, and also created literary content for children. His ghazal “Aye Jazba-e-Dil Gar Main Chahoon Har Cheez Muqabil Aajaye” became famous and was later sung by celebrated artists, keeping his words alive for generations. In films too, his contribution was significant. He wrote lyrics for productions like Roti (1942), Taj Mahal (1941), Dhanwan (1937), and Anokha Pyar (1948). His song “Mere Liye Woh Gham-e-Intezaar” from Anokha Pyar gained popularity and was remembered for its lyrical beauty.

His published works include Behzad Lucknavi Ke Sau Geet, Charagh-e-Toor, Kufr-o-Iman, Sana-e-Habeeb, Wajd-o-Haal, Aah-e-Natamam, Bustan-e-Behzad, Kaif-o-Suroor, Mauj-e-Noor, and Naghma-e-Noor. These collections reflected his versatility, ranging from devotional poetry to romantic and lyrical compositions.

Despite facing challenges in his later years, Behzad remained devoted to literature. He passed away in Karachi in 1974, leaving behind a legacy that spans across poetry, film lyrics, and radio literature. His work continues to be admired for its emotional richness, lyrical flow, and contribution to both classical and popular Urdu traditions.