Jan Nisar Akhtar

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Jaan Nisaar Akhtar (February 14, 1914 - August 19, 1976) was a famous Indian poet of Urdu ghazals and nazms and also a lyricist for Bollywood and father of lyricist and script-writer Javed Akhtar and psychiatrist and poet Salman Akhtar and grandfather of Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. Father-in-law of Shabana Azmi and ex father-in-law of Honey Irani.

[edit] Life and Poetry

He was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. He taught in a college in Bhopal but moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) where he wrote lyrics for Urdu/Hindi movies besides ghazals and nazms for general publication. His association with Madan Mohan, the music director resulted in many memorable movie songs. He was married to Safiya sister of another renowned poet, Majaz.

His books include Nazr-e-Butaan, Salaasil, Javidaan, Ghar Angan and Khaak-e-Dil (all Urdu titles). He was awarded Sahitya Academy Award of India in 1976 for collection of his poetry titled "Khaak-e-dil" (The Ashes of Heart"). One of his many famous couplets is :

ashaar mere yuu.N to zamaane ke liye hai.n,
kuchh sher faqat unako sunaane ke liye hai.n

Although my poems are meant for the whole world,
There are some couplets meant just for the beloved

He died in Mumbai, India on 19th August, 1976.