Zehra Nigaah

Biography

Zehra Nigah is regarded as one of the most prominent female poets in Urdu literature. Born in Hyderabad in 1937, she grew up in a family that valued art, culture, and education. After the partition of India, her family migrated to Pakistan, where she continued her literary journey. From a young age, she showed an interest in poetry and soon emerged as a powerful voice in mushairas, a platform traditionally dominated by men.

Her poetry reflects clarity, simplicity, and emotional depth. Unlike many poets who relied on ornate diction, Zehra Nigah brought a refreshing directness to her verse. Her ghazals and nazms often speak of human emotions, social realities, and the subtle struggles of women in patriarchal societies. She became one of the few women to gain equal recognition with her male contemporaries in public poetic gatherings.

Zehra Nigah’s presence in mushairas was itself a cultural breakthrough. At a time when women were rarely seen in such spaces, she not only participated but won admiration from both audiences and critics. Her verses combined lyrical beauty with meaningful thought, making her a beloved figure across generations.

Apart from poetry, Zehra Nigah also contributed to Pakistani media and television. She wrote scripts and worked as a broadcaster, further extending her influence beyond the literary circle. Her association with a family of intellectuals, including her brother Anwar Maqsood and sister Bajia, created an environment of creativity and artistic excellence that nurtured her work.

Over the decades, she has received several awards and honors, including the Pride of Performance in 2006. Today, she stands as a symbol of resilience and creativity, representing how a woman’s voice can transform and enrich Urdu literature. Her poetry continues to be recited, published, and celebrated, keeping her legacy alive for both seasoned readers and younger admirers.