Saghar Khayyami

Biography

Saghar Khayyami was a beloved Urdu poet and humorist whose verses brought laughter to countless audiences across India and Pakistan. Born in Moradabad in 1930, he grew up in a family environment that valued literature and humor. From early on, he developed a sharp wit and a love for words, which later defined his unique poetic style.

After Partition, he migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi, where he soon became an active figure in literary gatherings. Saghar Khayyami specialized in humorous and satirical poetry, a tradition not always given the same status as romantic or revolutionary verse, but one that touched people’s lives in a different way. His poetry often poked fun at social customs, daily struggles, and political absurdities, doing so with warmth and clever wordplay.

He was a frequent presence in mushairas, where his ability to keep audiences engaged with laughter made him immensely popular. Alongside poetry, Saghar Khayyami was also associated with Radio Pakistan, where his voice and humor found a wider platform. His witty couplets, playful nazms, and satirical sketches became part of the oral memory of his listeners.

While not primarily a poet of romance or tragedy, he left behind verses that reflected a deep understanding of human nature. He proved that humor was not superficial but could carry sharp critique while still entertaining. His popularity stretched across generations, as children and elders alike enjoyed his style.

Saghar Khayyami passed away in Karachi in 1998. Though he is not remembered as one of the towering “serious” poets, his role in keeping humor alive in Urdu literature is invaluable. He made poetry accessible, memorable, and joyful, ensuring that laughter itself became a kind of literature.