Poets/Writers From Maharashtra

Celebrated poet, novelist, song and scriptwriter. Acclaimed for directing tele-serial on Mirza Ghalib. Recipient of Sahitya Academy and Dada Sahab Phalke awards

A contemporary of Manto, associated with the Progressive Writers Movement, known for his stories of romance and social realism.

Mohammad Rafi is one of the most celebrated and revered playback singers of India. He was honored with the Padma Shri and the National Film Award by the Government of India. He has also sung in English, Persian, Spanish, and Dutch.

Sufi poet known for his widely sung ghazal 'Khabar-e-tahayyur-e-ishq'

Trend setter classical poet who helped establish Urdu ghazal in Delhi by inspiring poets to write in Urdu

One of the pillars of modern Urdu Nazms & Dialogue writer. Wrote dialogues for more than hundred films including "Waqt" & "Qanoon". (Jin ke ghar sheeshe ke hote hain wo doosron par pather nahin phenkte-One of his dialogues made famous by Rajkumar in Film Waqt).

One of the most celebrated progressive poets, literary critic, public intellectual and editor.Contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Recipient of Gyanpeeth Award. Produced documentaries on Urdu poetry.

Chitra Singh is a renowned Indian ghazal singer and the wife of legendary ghazal maestro, Jagjit Singh. As a duo, they are considered the pioneers of ghazal singing.

Progressive poet & lyricist. Father of noted lyricist Jawed Akhtar

One of prominent progressive poets with popular appeal. Also film lyricist famous for his lyrics in films like Heer Ranjha, Kaghaz ke Phool etc.

One of the most lyrical of ghazal poets associated with progressive movement. Outstanding film lyricist. Recipient of Dada Sahab Phalke award.

One of the founding fathers of modern Urdu nazm. Known for his mystical association with Indian metaphysical tradition. Died young.

Mukesh was an Indian playback singer. He had been bestowed upon by the National Award for the best playback singer (male).

Prominent pre-modern poet who was also involved in politics. Elected to the Central Assembly in 1936 and remained member of Nagpur Municipal Committee for 20 years.

One of the most prominent modern poets with wide popular appeal. Well-known film lyricist, prose writer. Famous for his ghazal 'Kabhi kisi ko mukammal Jahan nahin milta…'.

Pankaj Udhas is a ghazal singer from India. He was honored with the coveted Padma Shri. He has also achieved success in singing for Hindi films.

Famous for his ghazal "Divaron se mil kar rona achcha lagta hai".

Prominent poet of New Nazam in India. Also a political activist and member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)

Nawab of Lucknow, a pupil of Aatish.

Leading progressive Indian poet and celebrated film-lyricist. Popular for his writings against social injustice and backwardness in society

A prolific poet and lyricist, his collaborations shaped the golden era of Bollywood music.

Famous poet and film lyricist

Shamshad Begum was one of the first singers of the Hindi film industry. From the 6000 songs that she had sung in a variety of Indian languages, 1287 were for Hindi films.

One of most outstanding modern poets and critics.

Prominent poet from Mumbai, well-known to connoisseurs of serious poetry.

A highly talented Urdu poet, known for his unique style and profound literary understanding

Poet and Lyricist

Anoop Jalota is a popular ghazal and bhajan singer from India. Also known as 'bhajan samrat' he has been bestowed upon with the Padma Shri.

One of the most prominent progressive poets / known for his pungent intensity

Dramatist, Theatre director, Novelist, and short story writer of the Punjabi Language

Radical Urdu critic who wrote unconventional poetry.

One of the prominent progressive poets, critic and lyricist Known for writing lyrics ‘karoge yaad to har baat yaad…’ for ‘Bazaar’.

Bhupinder Singh is an Indian film and ghazal singer. He was also a performer at the All India Radio and Doordarshan.

Chaya Ganguly is an Indian playback singer who sang for All India Radio and Doordarshan for 36 years. She received the National Award for her ghazal ‘Aap Ki Yaad Aati Rahi Raat Bhar’ from the President of India.

Prominent Urdu poet who edited the literary Journal 'Shaair'. Son of Seemab Akbarabadi

Prominent modern critic from Mumbai