In the realm of Urdu poetry, few names resonate as profoundly as Shahryar, the pen name of Akhlaq Mohammed Khan. Born on September 16, 1936, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Khan’s journey from a modest family background to literary stardom is a tale of perseverance and poetic genius. Tomorrow marks the 12th anniversary of his passing on February 13, 2012, offering a poignant moment to revisit his extraordinary life.
Khan’s early years were unremarkable, spent in a simple household where education intertwined with an budding passion for verse. He pursued higher studies at Aligarh Muslim University, immersing himself in Urdu literature, which sharpened his craft. Initially publishing under his real name, his ghazals and nazms captured the simplicity of everyday struggles, the pains of the common man, and the depths of human relationships.
The turning point came when he adopted ‘Shahryar,’ meaning ‘King of the City.’ This alias infused his work with a regal identity, elevating it to new heights. No longer just verses on paper, Shahryar’s poetry became the voice of millions, weaving profound emotions into concise, accessible lines that transcended age and literacy barriers.
His influence extended beyond literature into Bollywood, where his lyrics for the 1981 film Umrao Jaan became timeless classics. Songs like ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ and ‘In Aankhon Ki Masti’ not only won hearts but also earned him national acclaim. Shahryar’s ability to blend street-level realism with poetic elegance made his songs enduring anthems of love and longing.
Awards poured in during his illustrious career, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri in 2008 from the Government of India. Even after his death, Shahryar’s legacy endures, his words continuing to rule the hearts of poetry lovers worldwide. As we remember him on his death anniversary, his shayari reminds us of the power of words to conquer souls.