Arzoo Lakhnavi

Arzoo Lakhnavi was one of the most distinguished poets of the Lucknow school, admired for his ghazals and his contribution to Urdu literature and cinema. Born in 1873 in Lucknow, he grew up in an environment steeped in culture, refinement, and poetry. This atmosphere shaped his literary sensibilities and his lifelong devotion to Urdu verse.

Arzoo’s poetry reflected the elegance of the Lucknow tradition, marked by refined expression, balanced rhythm, and a focus on beauty and emotion. He was especially celebrated for his ghazals, which carried themes of love, longing, and the subtleties of human experience. His marsiyas and other poetic forms also earned him recognition among literary circles.

In addition to his classical poetry, Arzoo Lakhnavi became involved in the world of film during the early decades of Indian cinema. He wrote lyrics for several films, bringing his literary artistry to a wider audience and proving that Urdu poetry could flourish both on the page and the screen. His songs were appreciated for their poetic grace as well as their accessibility to general audiences.

After Partition in 1947, Arzoo migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi. Even in his later years, he continued to write and remained connected to the world of poetry until his death in 1951.

Arzoo Lakhnavi is remembered today as a poet who upheld the traditions of Lucknow while also bridging classical literature and popular culture. His contributions to ghazal and film lyrics ensured that his words would live on in both literary anthologies and the memories of audiences who sang along to his verses.