Behzad Lucknowi

Biography

Behzad Lakhnavi was a renowned Urdu poet and lyricist whose work bridged the worlds of traditional poetry and popular culture. Born in 1900 in Lucknow, he belonged to a city that had long been celebrated as a center of Urdu poetry and culture. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in literature, particularly in the ghazal form, which became his primary mode of poetic expression.

Behzad’s poetry reflected the elegance and refinement of Lucknow’s literary tradition. His ghazals often explored love, beauty, separation, and the philosophical dimensions of human life. His mastery of language and his ability to weave delicate emotions into lyrical form made him a respected figure in literary gatherings. He participated in mushairas, where his verses were admired for their melody and depth.

In addition to classical poetry, Behzad Lakhnavi made significant contributions as a lyricist for films during the mid-twentieth century. His ability to blend poetic beauty with the needs of cinema brought his work to a wider audience. He also became associated with Radio Pakistan, where his poetry was recited and broadcast, helping to sustain and popularize Urdu verse in the modern age.

Behzad’s life was shaped by the historical transformations of his era. After the Partition of India in 1947, he migrated to Karachi, Pakistan, where he continued to write and engage with the literary community. Despite the upheaval of migration, his dedication to poetry never diminished, and he remained an active voice in cultural life.

He passed away in 1974 in Karachi, leaving behind a body of work that is still admired by lovers of Urdu poetry. Behzad Lakhnavi is remembered for balancing the classical elegance of Urdu with the demands of new media like film and radio. His legacy lies in his ability to keep poetry alive in changing times, ensuring that the beauty of Urdu verse reached diverse audiences across the subcontinent.