Jaun Eliya

Jaun Eliya, born as Syed Hussain Sibt-e-Asghar Naqvi in 1931, is remembered as one of the most original and unconventional voices in Urdu poetry. He was born in Amroha to a family known for scholarship and culture. His father, Allama Shafiq Hasan Eliya, was a well-regarded intellectual who ensured that Jaun grew up in an environment rich in literature and philosophy.

Jaun developed a mastery over several languages, including Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, and even Hebrew. This vast linguistic knowledge broadened his outlook and gave his poetry a unique depth. He began writing verses as a teenager and soon established himself as a distinctive presence among Urdu poets.

After the Partition, Jaun migrated to Pakistan in 1957 and settled in Karachi. He worked as a journalist, editor, and translator, but it was his poetry that brought him enduring fame. Unlike many of his peers, Jaun was not interested in traditional praise or formal recognition. He wrote from a place of personal rebellion, questioning existence, love, politics, and faith.

His first poetry collection, Shayad, was published in 1991 when he was nearly sixty years old. The delay was not due to a lack of material but rather his perfectionist attitude and reluctance to publish. Once the book was released, readers were captivated by the freshness of his diction, his fearless tone, and the raw intensity of his verses. This was followed by other collections including Ya’ani, Gumaan, Lekin, and Goya.

In his personal life, Jaun married Zahida Hina, a well-known writer and columnist. The marriage did not last, and they later separated. They had three daughters together, and though family bonds remained, Jaun lived much of his later life in solitude.

Jaun was also known for his eccentric and charismatic personality. He was witty, outspoken, and often critical of the literary establishment. His public readings in Karachi and other cities became legendary, as he recited poetry with dramatic flair, holding audiences spellbound.

He passed away in Karachi on November 8, 2002. Even in death, he left behind a literary legacy that continues to inspire both new readers and seasoned lovers of Urdu poetry. His verses carry themes of love, despair, skepticism, and rebellion, making him a poet who speaks across generations.

Jaun Eliya remains an icon of modern Urdu literature, remembered not only for his words but also for his daring spirit and uncompromising honesty.