The Poet · 1938 to 2016
निदा फ़ाज़ली
Nida Fazli
Region
North India
Language
Hindi
Signature rasa
Shanta
Works · archive
36
Nida Fazli occupied a space where the profound melancholies of Urdu literature met the spiritual philosophy of the Indian soil. Born in 1938 in Gwalior, he suffered the deep trauma of the partition when his family migrated to Pakistan.
He chose to stay behind in India, a decision that infused his poetry with a permanent sense of yearning and existential loneliness. Fazli refused to write in the heavily Persianized vocabulary of traditional Urdu circles.
Instead, he used the spoken, everyday language of the streets to explore complex human emotions and universal truths. His film lyrics elevated mainstream cinema, turning simple melodies into deep philosophical inquiries.
Honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri, he passed away in 2016. He remains a poet who taught readers that true spirituality lies in recognizing the shared sorrow of humanity.
Chronology
A life, paced like a poem.
1938
Born Muqtada Hasan in Gwalior to a family of Urdu writers.
1964
Moved to Bombay (Mumbai) to pursue a career in writing after his family migrated to Pakistan.
1969
Published his first collection of poetry, establishing his distinct colloquial style.
1980s
Gained widespread fame as a Bollywood lyricist, writing iconic songs for films like 'Aahista Aahista' and 'Sarfarosh'.
1998
Won the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu for his poetry collection 'Khoya Hua Sa Kuch'.
2013
Honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contributions to literature.
2016
Passed away in Mumbai due to a heart attack.
Essential
Start with these.
Three doorways into Nida Fazli, chosen for how quickly they show you what this voice sounds like.
Shringara
01वो शोख शोख नज़र सांवली सी एक लड़की
Vo Shokh Shokh Nazar Samvali Si Ek Ladki
The clearest statement of shringara in this catalogue, begin here.
Read the poem →1 verse
Shanta
02जब भी किसी ने ख़ुद को सदा दी
Jab Bhi Kisi Ne Khud Ko Sada Di
A shorter turn in shanta, 5 verses long.
Read the poem →5 verses
Shringara
03जहाँ न तेरी महक हो उधर न जाऊँ मैं
Jahan Na Teri Mahak Ho Udhar Na Jaun Main
A shorter turn in shringara, 6 verses long.
Read the poem →6 versesFull Catalogue
Every composition, by mood.
36 entries · 5 rasas
View full catalogue →शृंगार
Shringara
5 compositions
- 011 verseRead →
वो शोख शोख नज़र सांवली सी एक लड़की
Vo Shokh Shokh Nazar Samvali Si Ek Ladki
- 026 versesRead →
जहाँ न तेरी महक हो उधर न जाऊँ मैं
Jahan Na Teri Mahak Ho Udhar Na Jaun Main
- 034 versesRead →
होश वालों को ख़बर क्या बेख़ुदी क्या चीज़ है
Hosh Walon Ko Khabar Kya Bekhudi Kya Cheez Hai
- 044 versesRead →
दिल में ना हो ज़ुर्रत तो मोहब्बत नहीं मिलती
Dil Mein Na Ho Zurrat To Mohabbat Nahi Milti
- 054 versesRead →
कभी बादल, कभी कश्ती, कभी गर्दाब लगे
Kabhi Badal, Kabhi Kashti, Kabhi Gardab Lage
शान्त
Shanta
24 compositions
- 015 versesRead →
जब भी किसी ने ख़ुद को सदा दी
Jab Bhi Kisi Ne Khud Ko Sada Di
- 029 versesRead →
मस्जिदों-मन्दिरों की दुनिया में
Masjidon-Mandiron Ki Duniya Mein
- 034 versesRead →
सब की पूजा एक सी
Sab Ki Pooja Ek Si
- 041 verseRead →
हुआ सवेरा
Hua Savera
- 055 versesRead →
बृन्दाबन के कृष्ण
Vrindaban Ke Krishna
- 065 versesRead →
अपना ग़म लेके कहीं और न जाया जाये
Apna Gham Leke Kahin Aur Na Jaya Jaye
- 075 versesRead →
दिन सलीक़े से उगा, रात ठिकाने से रही
Din Salike Se Uga, Raat Thikane Se Rahi
- 085 versesRead →
अब ख़ुशी है न कोई ग़म रुलाने वाला
Ab Khushi Hai Na Koi Gham Rulaane Wala
वीर
Veera
3 compositions
करुणा
Karuna
3 compositions