Today, on Saturday, the death anniversary of Nasir Kazmi, the esteemed founder of modern Urdu ghazal, is being solemnly observed.
Born as Syed Nasir Raza Kazmi on December 8, 1925, in Ambala, eastern Punjab, Kazmi’s literary journey began with humble roots. He completed his matriculation from Muslim High School, Ambala, and initially pursued higher education at Government College Lahore. However, the tumultuous events surrounding the partition of the subcontinent forced him to abandon his studies.
In August 1947, Kazmi migrated from Ambala to Lahore, where he continued to nurture his passion for poetry. Inspired by the legendary Akhtar Sherani, he embarked on his poetic odyssey in 1940, eventually carving a niche for himself as a melancholic poet.
Throughout his career, Nasir Kazmi remained closely associated with Radio Pakistan, where he not only showcased his own poetic prowess but also delved into the works of classical Urdu poets like Mir Taqi Mir.
His literary legacy is enshrined in several collections of poetry, including his debut work ‘Barg-e-Nay,’ followed by ‘Dewaan’ and ‘Pahli Barish.’ ‘Khawab-e-Nishat’ stands as another testament to his poetic genius.
Kazmi’s poetry was characterized by its simplicity yet profound depth, as he breathed life into commonplace words such as ‘Chand’ (moon), ‘Raat’ (night), ‘Baarish’ (rain), ‘Mausam’ (season), ‘Yaad’ (memory), ‘Tanhai’ (solitude), and ‘Darya’ (river) through his unique style.
His ghazals transcended time and were immortalized by iconic singers like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Noor Jahan, who lent their voices to his compositions.
Following his demise on March 2, 1972, due to stomach cancer, Kazmi’s literary contributions continued to resonate. He was laid to rest in Lahore’s Mominpura graveyard, leaving behind a profound imprint on Urdu poetry.
Even after his passing, Kazmi’s legacy endures through the publication of four posthumous books, ensuring that his poignant verses continue to captivate hearts and minds.
