Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 28: Renowned Urdu poet Bashir Badr, celebrated for his soulful ghazals and simple yet deeply emotional poetry, passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that touched generations of readers across the country.

News of his demise triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with admirers, writers, and poetry lovers sharing his timeless verses and remembering him as one of the most relatable voices in modern Urdu literature.

Born on February 15, 1935, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Bashir Badr completed his higher education and doctorate from Aligarh Muslim University, where he later served as a professor of Urdu.

He was widely regarded as a master of modern ghazal writing and earned immense popularity for introducing simplicity and conversational language into Urdu poetry without compromising emotional depth. His poetry often revolved around love, loneliness, memories, relationships, and humanity, making it accessible to readers from all walks of life.

Over the years, he authored several acclaimed collections including “Imkaan”, “Aahatein”, “Kulliyat-E-Bashir Badr”, and “Ujale Apni Yaadon Ke”. In recognition of his contribution to literature, he was honoured with the Padma Shri.

Bashir Badr’s life took a tragic turn during the 1987 communal riots in Meerut, when his house was set on fire. Several rare and unpublished manuscripts were destroyed in the incident, which was considered a major turning point in his life. Following the riots, he shifted permanently to Bhopal.

The poet had also written memorable verses on the Partition and human relationships. One of his most famous couplets was reportedly quoted by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Shimla Agreement talks with former Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

“Dushmani jamke karo lekin ye gunjaish rahe,
Jab kabhi hum dost ban jaayein to sharminda na hon.”

Following his death, noted lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar paid tribute on social media, saying, “Today, our Urdu language has become a little poorer. Bashir Badr, an incredibly melodious poet, has departed from our gathering forever. This poet and his poetry will always remain alive in our memories.”

Among Bashir Badr’s most loved lines are:

"Musafir hain hum bhi musafir ho tum bhi,
Kisi mod par phir mulaqat hogi"

"Zindagi tune mujhe qabr se kam di hai,
Zameen paon phailaun to deewar mein sar lagta hai"

"Ujale apni yaadon ke hamare saath rehne do,
Na jaane kis gali mein zindagi ki shaam ho jaaye"

"Sar jhukaoge to patthar devta ho jaayega,
Itna mat chaho use woh bewafa ho jaayega"

"Koi haath bhi na milayega jo gale miloge tapaak se,
Ye naye mizaaj ka shehar hai zara faasle se mila karo"

"Dushmanon ke saath bhi mere talluq achhe hain,
Meri fitrat mein nafrat ka koi kaam nahi"