One of the leading modernist poets who broke many conventions. Wrote poetry in Urdu and Gujarati. He was also a famous calligrapher and playwright

Widely celebrated and sung Urdu poet. Rose to iconic stature through his seductively romantic and anti-establishment poetry

One of the leading and reputed Pakistani poets known for his neo-classical tone, equally well-known in India, lives in Houston USA.

Most outstanding Pakistani, Progressive poet. Also counted among leading fiction-writers. Edited an important literary magazine Funoon.

Famous for romantic poetry filled with the emotions of separation and union, accompanied by melody and rhythm

The greatest Urdu poet of humour and satire who was a Sessions judge at Allahabad.

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.

One of the greatest Urdu Poets. National poet of Pakistan who penned 'Saare jahaan se achha hindostaan hamara' and 'Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri'

Eminent Urdu Poet and contemporary of Dagh Dehlvi. Famous for penning ghazal "Sarakti jaye hai rukh se naqaab aahista aahista".

One of the most famous Progressive poets known for romantic & revolutionary poetry. He was maternal Uncle to film lyricist Jawed Akhtar.

Last Mughal Emperor and contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq.

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

One of the widely celebrated and popular Urdu poets. Equally sung in romance and rebel. Faced political repression against his revolutionary views

One of the most influential Pre-modern poets who paved the way for the modern Urdu ghazal. Known for his perceptive critical comments. Recipient of Gyanpeeth award.

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

Freedom fighter, member of constituent assembly which drafted Indian Constitution. He gave the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" during freedom movement. He was a devotee of Shri Krishna. He wrote the famous ghazal "chupke chupke raat din".

One of the most prominent modern Urdu poets. Popular among masses for his unconventional ways

Bollywood screenwriter, lyricist and poet. Famous for co-writing films like 'Sholay' & 'Deewar'

One of the most prominent pre-modern poets who enjoyed stunning popularity and fan-following.

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

Popular poet who also penned film lyrics.

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

One of the greatest Urdu poets. Known as Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of Poetry)

Legendary Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in worldwide literature. One of the most quotable poets having couplets for almost all situations of life

One of the greatest 18th century poets. Contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir

Contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq. Also a physician, astrologer and chess player. Mirza Ghalib is said to have offered his complete Divan for his sher "Tum mere paas hote ho goya, Jab koi doosra nahin hota"

Popular poet having dominating presence in mushairas.

One of the most outstanding modern poets who wrote both in Urdu and Punjabi. Also a film lyricist.

One of the founders of modern ghazal. Born at Ambala in India, he migrated to Pakistan and wrote extensively on the pain and sufferings of partition.

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…'.

One of the founding-fathers of modern Urdu poetry.

One of the most popular Urdu poets who gave expression to feelings and experiences specific to women

Pakistani poet known for the ghazals laced with social and political satire

One of the most popular poets ever and film lyricist. Famous for his ghazal 'Garmi-e-hasrat-e-nakaam se jal jate hain'.

Popular poet and film lyricist.

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

Well-known poet from Pakistan famous for his ghazal "main khayaal hoon kisi aur ka…"

One of the most prominent pre-modern poets.

One of the most prominent modern Urdu poets and lyricist. Wrote songs for the movie "Umrao Jaan". Recipient of the Bhartiya Gyan Peeth award.

Famous poet and film lyricist

Immensely popular contemporary Pakistani poet.

Popular poet having vast mass following.

One of the most prominent and trend-setter poet of new Urdu ghazal having a vast following.