Best of Majaz (Hindi and English Transliterations)

In his short life of 44 years, Majaz (1911-1955) produced poetry of the highest calibre and is today counted amongst the stalwarts of Urdu shayari in the Indian subcontinent. Most of his poetry was romantic – revolutionary in nature. His poetry not only enamoured the young women of his times, but continues to enthrall readers even today.

Majaz Lakhnawi as he was known was born Asrar-ul-Haq into a highly educated family that boasted of a poetic lineage. Majaz studied in Agra and Aligarh Muslim University. It was in Agra and Aligarh that Majaz was exposed to the poetry of the likes of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Jazbi, Sardar Ali Jafri and Sahir Ludhianvi. He spent most of his time, not in the classes but in attending mushairas. As a result he was unable to complete his studies and obtain a formal degree, but what it led to was the sprouting of the poetic genius of Majaz.

However, Majaz’s personal life was very unhappy as he suffered repeated rejections in love, as a result of which the flow of poetry was often interrupted by bouts of depression and despondency leading him to indulge in heavy drinking.

In The Best of Majaz, Kuldip Salil has presented an English translation of many of his poems, with the original in both Hindi script and Roman transliteration, to enable even non-Urdu readers to enjoy poetry that articulates the entire range of human emotions.

Here is a book for all lovers of poetry to read and preserve.