Poets/Writers From India

The foremost exponent of the Sabk-e-Hindi (Indian Style) and a renowned Sufi thinker

One of the founding fathers of Urdu poetry, contemporary of Meer Taqi Meer.

First poet of Rekhta/Hindvi, musician, and disciple of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia. Known for his "pahelis," which form part of Indian folklore. He is famous for inventing two of the most important musical instruments, tabla and sitar. Wrote "Ze-hal-e-miskin…" one of the earliest prototypes of Urdu ghazal written in Persian and Hindvi.

Asha Bhosle is an Indian playback singer and the sister of Lata Mangeshkar. Her awards include the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan, among many others.

Last of the classical poets who celebrated life and love. Famous for his playfulness with words (idioms/phrases).

Considered by some critics as the first Urdu novelist.

One of the most influential pre-modern poets who paved the way for the modern Urdu ghazal. Known for his perceptive critical comments. Recipient of the Gyanpeeth Award.

Celebrated poet, novelist, song and scriptwriter. Acclaimed for directing a tele-serial on Mirza Ghalib. Recipient of Sahitya Academy and Dada Sahab Phalke awards.

Hariharan is an Indian singer who has sung for films in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Bhojpuri, and Telugu languages. He is also an esteemed ghazal singer and winner of the Padma Shri and National Awards.

One of the most firebrand poets of Lucknow, contemporary of Meer Taqi Meer. His rivalry with Mushafi is well-recorded. Also wrote Rekhti poetry and "Raani Ketki ki Kahani" in prose.

Jagjit Singh was a prominent Indian ghazal singer, songwriter, and musician. Also known as the 'Ghazal King,' he was the recipient of many prestigious awards, some of which were Rajasthan Ratna, Padma Bhushan, and the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Sufi poet, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, known for his deep knowledge of Indian music.

Kishore Kumar was an Indian film playback singer, actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenplay writer, and scriptwriter. He has sung in many Indian languages. The Kishore Kumar Award has been introduced in his memory.

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

Lata Mangeshkar is one of the best-known and most respected playback singers in India. She has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Dada Saheb Phalke Award. She is the elder sister of Asha Bhosle.

One of the most prominent classical poets at Lucknow, who excelled in Mersia poetry, was a contemporary of Mirza Ghalib.

Immensely successful poet, particularly renowned for his Masnavis, whose most celebrated work is Sihar-ul-Bayan. His other notable contributions include his Diwan of Ghazals and Tazkira-i-Shora-i-Urdu, a biographical compendium of Urdu poets written in Persian.

One of the greatest Urdu poets, known as Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of Poetry).

Legendary Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in worldwide literature. One of the most quotable poets, having couplets for almost all situations of life.

Mohammad Rafi is one of the most celebrated and revered playback singers of India. He was honored with the Padma Shri and the National Film Award by the Government of India. He has also sung in English, Persian, Spanish, and Dutch.

One of the greatest 18th-century poets, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

Contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq. Also a physician, astrologer, and chess player. Mirza Ghalib is said to have offered his complete Divan for his sher "Tum mere paas hote ho goya, Jab koi doosra nahin hota.".

One of the most prolific 18th-century poets, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

One of the earliest poets at Delhi who laid the foundations of Urdu poetry. He witnessed the destruction of Delhi during Nadir Shah's invasion.

One of the most prominent classical Urdu poets who wrote extensively on Indian culture & festivals, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, famous for his poems on Holi, Diwali, and Lord Krishna.

Prominent 18th-century poet, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

First Urdu poet to have compiled and published a Divan. King of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of South India. Founder of Hyderabad city.

Bengali poet, dramatist, and the only Indian litterateur to win the Nobel Prize in Literature

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.

Prominent 18th-century Delhi poet.

Poet laureate of the Mughal Court and mentor of Bahadur Shah Zafar. His 'poetic' rivalry with Ghalib is well known.

Poet, fiction writer, and one of the leading Urdu critics.

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

Prominent contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, younger brother of Mir Dard.

Famous for his good looks, apart from poetry. Died at a young age.

Trendsetter classical poet who helped establish Urdu ghazal in Delhi by inspiring poets to write in Urdu.

Former President of India, eminent scientist, and the "Missile Man of India.".

A. R. Rahman is a well-known composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician from India.

Prominent post-modern poet who went missing in 1996.

A prominent scholar, author, translator, and novelist of the twentieth century had a keen eye on the socio-cultural life of Lucknow.