Saqi Faruqi

Biography

Saqi Faruqi was a modernist Urdu poet whose work expanded the horizons of contemporary Urdu literature. He was born in Gorakhpur, India, in 1936, but after Partition his family moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and later to Karachi. Eventually, he settled in London, where he spent much of his life and career. This multicultural journey deeply shaped his literary sensibilities and allowed him to bridge Eastern traditions with Western thought.

Faruqi became known for his powerful nazms, which often carried a modernist edge. His poetry was marked by a direct style, fresh imagery, and the courage to challenge traditional norms of Urdu literature. He used free verse and broke away from the rigid classical forms, making his work resonate strongly with younger generations seeking new directions in poetry.

His themes included identity, migration, alienation, and the struggles of living between cultures. Being part of the South Asian diaspora in Britain, he captured the voice of exile and displacement with striking honesty. Alongside poetry, he also wrote essays and critiques on literature, where he advocated for innovation and intellectual boldness in Urdu writing.

In London, Saqi Faruqi became an influential figure in Urdu literary circles. He engaged with students and readers, often encouraging critical thought and openness to modernism. Though he sometimes faced criticism from traditionalists, his contributions are widely acknowledged as significant in shaping post-Partition Urdu literature.

He passed away in London in 2018, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and prose that continues to inspire readers and writers. Saqi Faruqi is remembered as a poet who combined the essence of Urdu with the spirit of modernist experimentation, giving Urdu literature a fresh and international voice.