Poets/Writers From Maharashtra

A contemporary of Manto, associated with the Progressive Writers' Movement, known for his stories of romance and social realism.

One of the most prominent short story writers and novelists of Urdu, a contemporary of Manto, is known for his narratives representing Indian ethos and use of mythological references. He also wrote plays and penned dialogues and stories for films.

Sufi poet known for his widely sung ghazal 'Khabar-e-tahayyur-e-ishq'.

One of the pillars of modern Urdu Nazms & dialogue writer. Wrote dialogues for more than a hundred films. "Jinke apne ghar sheeshe ke hon vo doosron par patthar nahin phenka karte" - one of his dialogues made famous by Rajkumar in the film Waqt.

One of the most celebrated progressive poets, literary critics, public intellectuals, and editors. Contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Recipient of the Gyanpeeth Award. Produced documentaries on Urdu poetry.

Progressive poet & lyricist. Father of noted lyricist Jawed Akhtar.

One of the prominent progressive poets with popular appeal. Also, a film lyricist famous for his lyrics in films like Heer Ranjha, Kaghaz Ke Phool, etc.

Renowned fiction writer, journalist, Padma Shri awardee, film director, and dialogue writer, best known for films like Shree 420 and Mera Naam Joker

One of the most lyrical of ghazal poets associated with the progressive movement. Outstanding film lyricist. Recipient of the Dada Sahab Phalke Award.

One of the founding fathers of modern Urdu nazm, known for his mystical association with Indian metaphysical tradition, died young.

Prominent pre-modern poet who was also involved in politics. Elected to the Central Assembly in 1936 and remained a member of the Nagpur Municipal Committee for 20 years.

Renowned Urdu poet and distinguished literary figure, who wrote the ghazal "Deewaron se mil kar rona achha lagta hai”, which became quite famous, along with many other notable contributions to the world of literature.

Well-known poet of humour and satire. Famous film lyricist.

A prolific poet and lyricist, his collaborations shaped the golden era of Bollywood music.

Famous poet and film lyricist.

A contemporary of Premchand and a distinguished screenwriter of early Indian cinema

Prominent poet from Mumbai, well-known to connoisseurs of serious poetry.

Poet and lyricist.

Dramatist, theatre director, novelist, and short story writer of the Punjabi language.

Radical Urdu critic who wrote unconventional poetry.

Distinguished progressive poet, critic, scriptwriter, and lyricist, renowned for the song "Karoge Yaad To Har Baat Yaad Aayegi" from the film Bazaar

Prominent Urdu poet who edited the literary journal 'Shaair'. Son of Seemab Akbarabadi.

Jaddan Bai was an Indian singer and composer, also famous as the mother of yesteryear actress Nargis. She was the first woman to be a film music director in India.

Popular humorist and satirist, known for his linguistic finesse and representations of social inequalities.

Progressive fiction writer, screen dialogue writer, and brother of Krishan Chander

Mahendra Kapoor was a renowned Indian playback singer who sang more than 25,000 songs in many Indian languages. His career spanned 50 years. In addition to other awards, he won the National Award twice.

Well-known urdu poet, fiction and film writer, known for his dialogues in the TV serial "Mahabharat.".

A representative voice of feminist consciousness in Urdu fiction, renowned for her bold narrative style and vivid portrayal of Hyderabadi society

An eminent translator of Russian literature and a journalist

Popular Novelist

Popular and renowned Urdu poet

Indian poet who wrote in both Marathi and English. The only Indian poet other than Kabir to be featured on the World Classics titles of the New York Review of Books.

Poet, writer, and translator from Maharashtra, also translated Marathi poems into Urdu.

Renowned fiction writer, literary figure, humorist, translator, known for children’s literature

Novelist and screenwriter.

Renowned Urdu poet

Prominent Urdu poet from Maharashtra