Poet Introduction - Mumtaz Mirza
Begum Mumtaz Jehan Mirza (popularly known as Mumtaz Mirza) was a highly celebrated and distinguished female Urdu poet from Delhi, India. Known for her traditional yet refreshingly modern poetic tone (Jadeed Lab-o-Lehja), she captured the profound depths of human emotions, love, and the melancholies of life.
Key Highlights of Her Life & Work
- Background: Born on July 20, 1928, in Delhi, she used "Mumtaz" as her takhallus (pen name) in her ghazals.
- Poetic Style: Her poetry was heavily influenced by Persian literature. Her ghazals showcase a deep balance between the shadows of pain and the realities of human existence.
- Notable Publications: Her most prominent and acclaimed poetic collection is titled "Yadon ke Saye" (Shadows of Memories).
- National Recognition: In recognition of her stellar contributions to Urdu literature and education, she was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri Award by the Government of India in 1976.
- Professional Life: Beyond her independent writing, she worked at the Iran Cultural House in New Delhi. She was also a prominent figure at renowned Indo-Pak mushairas during the 1980s.
- Demise: She passed away on January 28, 1997, in Delhi.
Famous Verses (Shayari)
Her ghazals have been sung and widely appreciated across the sub-continent. A couple of her most celebrated couplets include:
रात काटे नहीं कटती है किसी सूरत से
दिन तो दुनिया के बखेड़ों में गुज़र जाता है
उठकर तुम्हारे दर से भटकते कहाँ-कहाँ
अच्छा हुआ कि मौत बुलाने को आ गई
