Akhtar Orenvi is a fiction writer, critic, and poet of considerable merit. He is one of those short story writers who contributed to imparting a definite form to the Urdu short story at the very early stage of its growth and development.

Son of Syed Wazarat Hussain, Akhtar Orenvi was born in Kako in Jehanabad district of Bihar. After acquiring his B. A. degree with English as the principal subject, he went on to earn his M. A. and D. Litt. degrees in Urdu. Later, he joined Patna University as a faculty member. He died on March 31, 1977.

Akhtar Orenvi was the image of a well-carved scholar, creative writer, and litterateur.  His publications include Akhtar Orenvi ke Afsaney (stories), Kaliyan aur Kantein (stories), Hasrat-e-Tameer (novel), Bihar Mein Urdu Zaban-o-Adab ka Irtequa (literary history), Mutaleaa-o-Muhaaseba (criticism).  Poets like Mohammad Iqbal and Nazir Akbarabadi engaged his attention in particular.