Naseer Kazmi, born on December 8, 1925, in Anbala, settled in Lahore after the partition of India. While he couldn’t complete higher education, his journey as a poet began in his youth.
In 1952, his first poetry collection “Barg” catapulted him into the forefront of Urdu ghazal poets. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern Urdu ghazal, and his literary contributions were acknowledged by Pakistan Post, which issued a special stamp in his honor in 2013.
Most of Naseer Kazmi’s life was spent in tea houses, listening to stories on deserted streets at night. His best verses and ghazals are a reflection of his life experiences.
He revitalized the ghazal genre and brought dignity to it through his contemporary poetry. His ghazal “Dil Dhadkne Ka Sabab Yaad Aya,” sung by Madam Noor Jehan, stands as a testament to his prowess, while Khalil Haider also found recognition through Kazmi’s ghazal “Naye Kapray Badal Kar Jaun Kahan.”
The great ghazal poet Naseer Kazmi passed away on March 2, 1972, in Lahore, but his poetry continues to resonate with hearts even today.
